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Pride in Putaruru Community Newspaper JULY 2021 Issue 159 Incorporating , Tirau and associated Rural Communities... INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Business Productivity & Wellbeing • School News • Club and Puzzle Pages • PiP 2021 Business Awards • On-Line Perception 20 25 29 29 THE TIMBER MUSEUM: WHAT PRICE HISTORY?

The New Zealand Timber Museum has attracted social media attention recently The Archives include maps, photographs, documents and items relating to the as well as a SW News article but the notion of on-line perception is reported on Major History of the district, including Sawmilling, Forests and Forest Equipment elsewhere in this issue, pages 30 - 31. and it also carries information on Local Dams and Schools along with much other interesting local documentation. At the 17 June meeting of the South District Council the decision to reduce the funding allocation to the New Zealand Timber Museum was made, making it $50,000 rather than the previous SWDC funding workshop decision of $144,000. At the 30 July SWDC Public Business Agenda session the 17 June decision was rescinded and the original amount of $144,000 reinstated. The Prattler does not intend to re-work the in's and out's of these events but rather sow stimulation seeds. The museum is on a reserve. The grounds are maintained for all to enjoy, including the toilets. Visitors are welcome to come in walk around the green and picnic. The only charge is for entry to the museum. Future plans include creating a walkway around the whole reserve and once the café is in operation (end of 2021/early 2022) it will be a delightful place to enjoy an afternoon, with the museum as an optional extra. The Archives at the museum include a comprehensive history of all district mills, including the Tuck and Watkins Mill which the museum features as a major exhibit. The specific collections of material feature settlement history of many local mills and towns, including Tuck and Watkins, Mokai and Minginui, along with Native Important documents extensively catalogued at The Timber Museum. Mill history such as Bartholomews and Te Whetu. Currently the accessioning all items within the museum onto a computerised system, Past Perfect, allows quick searching of key words, names or historical The Timber Museum also stores historical documents on the major Forestry items. Thus, quick location of items within the Museum is facilitated. companies of the District including Taupo Totara Timber Company, Carter Holt Harvey, NZ Forest Products and . Every week enquiries regarding family historical searches are received. 2 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 Current projects of The New Zealand Timber Museum include receiving new PIP PRESENTS A MATARIKI CELEBRATION EVENT photographs from the Tuck family to create a new display within the Mill area for all to enjoy. This will be hosted at the Putaruru International Food Court on Sunday 18 July starting at 4pm with Matariki guest speaker Matua Emereson. The Timber Museum is seeking volunteers to help with projects they have on the go. Live music will follow shortly after with Brett Bolt entertaining you. Upgrading the Acclimatisation Room, the nature room full of information, Dinner for the night will be a roast meal kindly provided by Nana Lou’s Cafe. taxidermy and environmental matters. Booking a seat will be essential - phone Nana Lou's on 07 882 1313. For further information please contact the Pride in Putaruru office, 07 883 7272 or [email protected]

The exterior and interior of the Acclimatisation Room. Original village hall of the Tuck and Watkins mill. Currently rebuilding the interior displays and looking to upgrade the exterior of this.

Interior displays at the Timber Museum. The original Pukaturua School classroom.

The exterior and interior of the Puketurua School classroom. The interior display and exterior rebuild of the Classroom is also planned. The museum is in the process of cataloging prior to rebuilding the history of the Puketurua School room. This new display will feature any information we have from all schools in the district. When this project kicks off we will be delighted to receive more items for display. Any help in the form of donations of money, time or display exhibits would be greatly welcomed.

If you wish to encourage people to visit the museum GENEALOGY NEWS and show support that would be greatly appreciated. South Waikato Branch New Zealand Society of Genealogists are looking forward to a lively month in August. Nationally there will be much in the media. TV will no Perhaps you have a history doubt hold programmes and interviews and newspapers will carry articles. There project in mind and would will be events across the country. like to do research at the One of the best events in our wider region will be the Auckland Libraries Family Timber Museum? History EXPO with speakers and a large number of stalls including all the major Recent visitors from a firms and organisations that support genealogy. Hamilton retirement village Locally the group is presenting talks in the libraries. “Pathways to Genealogy” found two ex school pupils outlines the various ways to find, organise and record information for people new who have photographs and to this hobby. Library 4 August 1:15 pm and Putaruru 11 August 1:15 pm. the original school sign to Records extensively catalogued at The Timber Museum. return to the school for display. The other talk is called ‘Genealogy and DNA.’ In this talk a wide view of how these two meet with centimorgans (cM) both proving the research one has done The archives are currently available to be viewed at the museum 9 to 3pm 7 days a for genealogy and extending your research into unexplored areas. These will week. Enquiries welcome by email to [email protected] take place 18 Aug 1:15pm at Tokoroa Library and 25 August 1:15 at the Putaruru As you know there is so much more here than an old Timber Yard! Library. South Waikato Senior Net is supporting our work and can help with follow up, as of course can our Branch. Please contact Anne Clothier, Manager Phone: 07 883 7621 In September the Branch will be holding a full day of genealogy. This will be the Email [email protected] Website: www.nztm.org.nz resurrection of the day that we planned for 2020 and had to be canceled. In the meantime, our July meeting on the 15 July 1pm at TCOSS, Tokoroa Hospital Grounds is a Judith’s Surprise. Do come and see what it is! PRATTLER & BUSINESS E ZINE PUBLISHING DATES August 4 Business E Zine August 20 September Prattler copy closes September 1 Prattler Delivery October 6 Business E Zine October 22 November Prattler copy closes November 3 Prattler Delivery November 26 December Prattler copy closes December 15 Prattler Delivery E Zine QR Code access. July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 3 4 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR features between the existing bowl and the library/office building. The key milestones for this project are expected to be: I’m writing this with the sun pouring in the window of my office after a very cold • July to September - topographical survey of site (if required), procurement, frosty start to the day, a true South Waikato winter day and with the first two tender process, contract finalisation. healthy lambs born this morning… it’s a good day. • October to December - award tender, detailed design, consenting (if required) The wheelie bin roll out for rubbish and recycling to our urban communities is • February to April - physical works/construction almost here! We’re expecting to deliver the bins from late July into August; with • May/June - official opening! first wheelie bin collection on Monday 6 September. The Central Government 3 Waters project is out in the public domain and now we Tīrau and Arapuni are first off the block on the know that there will be four entities that will take over waste water, drinking water Monday, with Putāruru’s first collection being and stormwater and we know that the South Waikato will be in the new entity Tuesday 7 September. with Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Rangatikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu. These We made the decision to move to wheelie bins four entities will own and operate the 3 Waters infrastructure on behalf of local following public consultation in 2019 when we authorities. They will be independent and mana whenua will have joint oversight. received 546 submissions with 407 submitters We have to think hard about what is best for our community for the long term. opting for the wheelie bins. While we have had We have good infrastructure particularly in the water supply and wastewater area to work around some frustrating shipping delays, and we have committed significant extra funding for more improvements over the the company that we are using was the only one coming years. We also have a significant amount of asset replacement reserves making the bins from 100% recycled plastic; which and we are yet to find out what will happen to that. is an important sustainable way forward. We’re expecting more information on costs to ratepayers and we and staff will The 30th June marked an exciting milestone when be discussing this over the coming weeks. Once we’ve got our thoughts together, Council adopted the Long-Term Plan 2021-31 (LTP). we’ll be asking you for your thoughts. Adopting the plan takes all of about two minutes which in no way reflects the 18 months of countless Nga mihi - Mayor Jenny. SWDC Mayor Jenny Shattock. hours by elected members and staff. My personal thank you to all my Councillors for their effort and the considerable time they LONG TERM PLAN 2021-31 have put into attending well over ten full or half day workshops over the period; The SWDC and to staff who prepare the numbers, plan the process, ensure we adhere to celebrated requirements, write and re-write documents and content, keep the process on with a round track and innumerable other tasks necessary to achieve an LTP, my sincere thank of applause you. I want to particularly thank Putāruru, Tīrau and Arapuni communities for your contribution to the finished document. We had great engagement with you, the when the result being some great projects for your communities. Long Term Plan was Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to be at the Rotary fund raising talent show held formally recently but from what I have heard it was a fantastic event with calls for it to be adopted at held again next year, always a good sign of a great event. Hats off to the Rotary the Council team for all the effort. Fourteen acts covering a wide range of talent including singing, dancing, musical instrumentals among others. All acts were outstanding. meeting on Such talent Putāruru! Wednesday 30 June after Around 300 people attended the event, many supporting whanua and friends on stage. months of Over and above the efforts from Rotary, I want to acknowledge the many sponsors hard work by of the event. Eighteen local businesses donated $100 each, three businesses Council staff sponsored spot prizes and five businesses donated a prize for the auction. Close and elected to $5,000 was raised as profit which is earmarked for the picnic tables, shelter and members. BBQ that Putāruru residents can soon enjoy in the Barnett Street reserve. In October we are expecting the detailed design of the new suspension bridge Since the last LTP... over the Oraka Stream that will connect the upper and lower Tīrau Domain. The Domain Action Group and Tīrau Community Board submitted through our LTP Since our last LTP, we’ve achieved a lot. process to pull the funding of $500,000 in year 2 forward to year 1. Council has Three years ago, Council and the community chose to rise to the challenges approved this which means we can make progress on the playground, toilets and of growth by funding infrastructure upgrades and re-zoning land to cater for hardstand market stall area quicker than originally planned. The contract for the residential and business development in Putāruru. upgrade has been awarded with physical works scheduled to start end September, to avoid winter earthworks. The next step will be to talk again with the DAG and Similar growth planning is underway in Tīrau and Tokoroa too. TCB to develop the detail around the toilets and playground. We focused on economic development with the Space to Grow brand, improved Site works on the installation of WiFi and CCTV in the Tīrau CBD is underway which district advocacy at central government level and strengthened relationships with is very exciting. There will be several footpath closures as the team moves through partners and stakeholders. the locations along SH1. All the equipment is installed on the lighting poles and We refurbished the Tokoroa CBD to attract passing traffic and create a vibrant and involves no cell phone tower equipment. functional community space. The Putāruru skatepark upgrade at the existing site in Bent Street is a go! The We introduced an Engagement Team to improve how we kōrero with our project includes refurbishing the existing skate bowl; and building more skate community.

CHOOK SHEDS

• Built to last • Customised modifications • Animal Shelters also available July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 5 LONG TERM PLAN 2021-31 (CONTINUED) TIRAU LIONS Together we made big decisions around solid waste; closed the Tokoroa landfill, The Tirau Lions hosted their annual golf tournament at the Tirau Golf Club on constructed a transfer station, improved recycling facilities, transported waste out Waitangi Day and raised $19,000. There were 68 in the field from around the of the District to large processing facilities; and we will be moving to wheelie bins South Waikato. Food and drinks were available around the course and afterwards for urban rubbish and recycling. in the club rooms. Following iwi and community consultation we will spend $30 million over 30 years on wastewater treatment plant upgrades and wetland developments across the District to improve environmental outcomes. The current Three Waters Reform work kicked off and Council will receive $3.88 million to investigate and implement what this will look like going forward. We introduced new playgrounds in Tīrau and Tokoroa, the Tokoroa skatepark and basketball court, Tīrau skatepark and activity areas, the Tīrau Walkway and Domain and new facilities in our rural reserves. The biggest impact over the past three years was the COVID-19 pandemic - lock downs, bubbles and alert levels became everyday words. The impact of COVID-19 on our businesses and our community was huge.

As a community we did what we always do: we stepped up, we teamed up, and Mac McClean (Tirau Fire Brigade) receives $4,500 from Nathan Bennetto (Putaruru Fire Brigade) receives we stood together. The impact of the pandemic will be felt for many years to Tirau Lions President Boyd Houghton. $4,500 from Boyd. come. Council has a recovery plan that is outlined in this document." Concept Plans The concept plans represent the projects that each town would like to see happen in their own township. Across all of the towns there were common themes that all of our towns faced and the main themes to come out of the concept plans were: • Safety • Recreational spaces • Revitalisation of the CBD • Accessibiltiy and connectivity through transport and internet/phone How concept planning is used • Helps a community to signal to regional and national bodies what is important to the local people, so that these aspirations and actions can be integrated into their respective planning. Jennifer (Matamata St John) receives $4,500 from Boyd. Andrew Begbie (Putaruru St John) receiving $4,500. • Helps inform and guide priority projects that the community want to lead and There were quick Fire raffles, grocery raffles and auctions before prize-giving. progress. Putaruru, Tirau and Matamata Businesses sponsored the prizes. • Signals opportunities for collaboration and partnerships between iwi, Thank-you to all of you who donated and to all of the players who attended. community organisations and businesses. Congratulations and thanks to the Tirau Golf Club for the pristine condition of the • Can be used to inform Annual Plans, Long Term Plans, District Plans and other course and hosting our day once again. Council Plans and Bylaws. • Helps inform new residents of the key projects the community is working on. The $19,000 was divided up and donated to the Putaruru St John, Putaruru Fire • Helps give guidance and clarity to funding and grant applications. Brigade, Matamata St John and Tirau Fire Brigade. Council considered each of the projects and concerns of each town that are in each concept plan. The projects that Council have agreed to support have been included in this LTP within the appropriate activity. Many of the projects are also included in the Reserves Management Plans as recreational and reserve spaces. Other activities will also be contributing to fulfilling the concept plans: community facilities (indoor swimming pools, the Plaza and libraries) and community and economic development. The following strategies are what we will focus on to deliver the Council vision and outcomes for our District. Vibrant Culture Strong Relationships with iwi and Maori, our Pacific peoples and other cultures. Promote and protect arts culture and history. Healthy proud and connected community A community that has good access to recreation and leisure services and is connected as a community and has good connection to Council. It has a feeling of pride and the district has a positive image to others outside the district. Environmental sustainability Support environmentally friendly practices and technologies and consider the physical environment when making decisions.

Economic development Stimulate economic development opportunities by assisting existing businesses to thrive, attracting new businesses while encouraging diversification of the economic base. Encourage education and training to improve the employment opportunities of the district’s residents. Durable infrastructure Infrastructure and services that are fit for the purpose and affordable now and into the future. PRATTLER & BUSINESS E ZINE PUBLISHING DATES August 4 Business E Zine August 20 September Prattler copy closes September 1 Prattler Delivery October 6 Business E Zine October 22 November Prattler copy closes November 3 Prattler Delivery November 26 December Prattler copy closes December 15 Prattler Delivery E Zine QR Code access. 6 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 Aroha String Quartet is firmly established as one of New Zealand's finest chamber music ensembles. Founded in 2004, this versatile UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE PLAZA Wellington-based quartet is known for Iron Fists 11 Pride of Putaruru Fight Night its passionate musicality, impressive Saturday 10 July 5pm technique, and multicultural innovation. John Parker fights for first New Zealand title in a rematch. The programme is: Tickets will be on sale soon when the poster is officially released. The seated GA Bacewicz String Quartet No 4 ticket will be $50, but only 350 tickets will be available. Ringside tables (on stage Stravinsky Concertino for String Quartet Aroha String Quartet. only 8 available only) $1800 and Silver Tables $1600 (12 available only). Book now Haydn String Quartet in D Op 64 No 5 'The Lark' to secure your table through Nigel Elliot or through NJE Promotions or Ace Fighters Tchaikovsky String Quartet No 1 in D Op 11 ($500 deposit needed). Wonderland Glow Show More information on fighters can be found on www.plaza.org.nz Tuesday 28 September Tickets available through Eventfinda. The GLOW SHOW team is back with WONDERLAND GLOW SHOW, a ‘kiwified’ interpretation of the classic ‘Alice in Wonderland’ tale for tamariki, educators and whanau! Let your imagination soar as you are transported by the magic of giant scale glow-in-the-dark puppetry. The mega edu-taining WONDERLAND GLOW SHOW promotes literacy and Te Reo Mãori, celebrates the exquisite art of ultraviolet puppetry, and demonstrates “Being your most creative self! Hei tino auaha koe!”

The Plaza School Holiday movie Tom & Jerry Wednesday 14 July 2pm Tickets $5 students and $8 adults. Door sales only. A legendary rivalry re-emerges when Jerry moves into New York City's finest hotel on the eve of the wedding of the century, forcing the desperate event planner to Wonderland Glow Show is an upbeat, captivating show that dives headlong into hire Tom to get rid of him. As mayhem ensues, the escalating cat-and-mouse battle a weird and wonderful world of dancing flamingos, shuffling cards, an 8 metre soon threatens to destroy her career, the wedding, and possibly the hotel itself. caterpillar, and giant flowers. But, it’s not all rosy… there’s a March hare on the loose! 2 shows at each venue created specifically for your age group: 10am session The Plaza Sunday movie (not last Sunday due to an event) The Pinkies are back! for 0-5 year olds (suits ECEs and Year 1): Puppetry-music-dance-movement! Sunday 18 July 2pm Tickets $5 for students $8 for adults. Door sales only. Meet puppets! 40 minutes! 11:30am session for 6-12 year olds (suits Years 2-8). The pinkies are back is a heart-warming and hilarious feature film, following a group Puppetry-story-music! Meet actors with Patai (Q and A!) 55 minutes! of extraordinary women on their journey to rebuild a dragon-boating team despite some having never held a paddle before. The bond, love and laughs between these Showtime Australia Presents Hotel California The Eagles Experience charismatic larger-than-life Kiwi women is a must see on cinema screens. Thursday 30 September 8pm It’s time to check-in to Hotel California The Eagles Experience, the captivating live concert The Plaza School Holiday movie The War with Grandpa and stage show saluting the extraordinary talent and timeless music of The Eagles. With a stage full of show-stopping voices and musicians, relive the beautiful country harmonies, the rockin’ guitar solos and the masterful song writing in all its glory, performed live on stage. Hear all the classic tracks that topped the charts and tested the boundaries of Rock and Country including Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy, One of These Nights, Tequila Sunrise, Heartache Tonight, Life in the Fast Lane, Take it to the Limit, Witchy Woman, New Kid In Town, Lyin’ Eyes, Get Over It, Love will Keep Us Alive, Best of My Love and more. A carefully-crafted tribute that music fans will truly appreciate. Tickets available now through Eventfinda only.

Wednesday 21 July 2pm Tickets $5 students and $8 adults. Door sales only. Peter and his grandpa used to be very close, but when Grandpa Jack moves in with the family, Peter is forced to give up his most prized possession: his bedroom. Peter will stop at nothing to get his room back, scheming with friends to devise a series of pranks to drive him out. However, grandpa doesn't give up easily, and it turns into an all-out war between the two. The South Waikato Music Society presents The Aroha String Quartet Sunday 25 July 2pm Tickets are $25 non-members, $20 members, Students FREE Door sales only. Acclaimed as demonstrating “accomplished brilliance, soulfulness and sublime intensity in perfect balance and tonal unity” (The Dominion Post), the July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 7 8 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 PAWS DONATIONS PUTARURU DISTRICT RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOC (INC.) Huge thanks to all those people who support PAWS. “Donations of quality used Putaruru RSA POPPY TRUST (Inc.) QUALIFIED LAWYER REQUIRED goods are our life force so we appreciate our community’s donations immensely.” As per the new Trust Law, Charitable Trusts are now required to However, the only thing we ask is that you consider the quality of the item you are have at least a qualified lawyer as a sitting member of the Trust. donating. “Would you buy it in that condition?” The Putaruru Poppy Trust uses the money raised from Poppy Day and any donations through the year, to assist veterans, returned and ex-service men and women and their spouses/family, in times of need to help in making life a little easier for them. Therefore, The Putaruru RSA Poppy Trust (Inc.) requires the services of a qualified lawyer to become a member of the above trust. This is a Voluntary role and meetings will be on a need by need basis, plus regular meetings as agreed to. Please contact the Putaruru District RSA President for more information: Mr Murray Bath 07 883 3468, 021 023 6201. The PAWS Princes Street shop. PUKETURUA HALL ANNUAL WINTER LUNCHEON If yes, then we can sell it. If no, money that could be helping animals will have to be spent on tip fees and our dump fees are regularly in excess of $500.00 per month. Around 80 community members joined together to enjoy each other’s company on Sunday 27 June, on a wet winter’s day. Please do not be offended if we refuse your goods. We will no longer be able to accept printers, televisions, coffee percolators, electric blankets and fin heaters. We are very grateful to the vets who continue to support us and generously pay for our Eftpos machines. Thanks must also go to the fire brigade who helped us with the last flood at Kensington Street. PAWS wouldn't be where we are but for our amazing managers and volunteers. Thanks. PAWS is very proud to say that we have now donated in excess of $900,000.00 to animal welfare. This is mainly for the de-sexing of cats and dogs but does encompass other short term needs. [Meg Wilson] GOVERNMENT THREE WATERS PROPOSALS Council is looking closely at the information released by the Government on its Three Waters proposals, South Waikato Mayor Jenny Shattock said, “It is important that our Council thinks hard about what is best for our community Enjoying a community luncheon at the Puketurua Hall. for the long term - that is the priority,” she said. “We need to consider future water, A huge thanks to Orchard Thieves for churning out over 40 pizza’s! Children had wastewater and stormwater legislative requirements that will impact this change." fun with a bouncy castle and toys from Te Playcentre. “South Waikato’s urban communities have good three waters infrastructure, particularly in the water supply and wastewater area. Our Council has already committed significant additional funding to infrastructure improvements over the coming years that is reflected in the previous and current LTP, adopted last week to cover growth, quality and the impact on our environment." “We have robust wastewater consents in place with Waikato Regional Council for the next 35 years and our water treatment processes are in line with the NZ Drinking Water Standards.” The Fladgate family would Council’s Chief Executive, Ben Smit said that SWDC has a good handle on its three waters. “Council has already committed necessary funding required for the future, like to thank all our friends has significant asset replacement reserves to fund future infrastructure and our and family who visited us debt levels are significantly less than our external investments so we actually have negative debt,” he said. “Opting in to the scheme will need careful consideration.” at home and travelled from “We are expecting further information on the projected costs to ratepayers under all over NZ to farewell our an opt in/opt out situation in the next few weeks and that will provide additional beloved Campbell. clarification,” said Mayor Shattock. “Councillors and staff will discuss the proposals over the coming weeks. We need good information to make good decisions.” SWDC has been talking with our iwi partners on this subject and will continue to do so. There are not enough words Once we have formulated a view, we will be asking our community for their thoughts. to express our heartfelt WHAT’S UP? thanks for the beautiful • The South Waikato's Got Talent night and other very high quality musical performances at The Plaza during the last 2 months. We floral tributes, many many don't know how lucky we are. cards, wonderful food and baking.

Your loving kindness has brought us great comfort • The hard work of the South Waikato District Council staff and councillors that resulted in the Long Term Plan 2021-31 being and will always approved recently. be remembered. WHAT’S DOWN? • The increase of public spitting along the Tirau Street shopping area.

If you would like to suggest items for our What’s Up? and What’s Down? section of the Prattler please contact us: [email protected] July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 9

CONTRIBUTE TO THE PRATTLER advertise - write - subscribe for free to the on-line Prattler. Simply email: [email protected] 10 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 PIP 2021 COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS AWARDS WAOTU PUKETURUA GARDEN CIRCLE Pride in Putaruru Winter is well and truly here after a couple of good frosts and lovely days to follow. 2021 Community With the colder months we move indoors, and our May meeting was a movie and Business morning at the Plaza. We were thrilled to have over 80 attend (members and the Awards are fast community). The movie Wild Rose was ‘different’ but by the end most enjoyed it. approaching. Thank you to the committee who served a delicious morning tea for all patrons This year will feature prior to the movie. a new format for categories, entries and awards, including five community based awards. Entries are now open and A section of those attending the 2019 PiP Business Awards. businesses, community groups and individuals can enter themselves, or be nominated, using our online form at The June meeting, our annual Quiz morning was a lot of fun. Our thanks to St Pauls prideinputaruru.com Co-operating parish for the use of their cosy venue. Nominations close We will be back there again on 26 July for our AGM and annual Winter Luncheon 5pm, 13 August. plus guest speaker. Early planning is underway to visit a daffodil garden in August, as we prepare for spring. Visitors/new members are always welcome: Phone Steph The Awards 07 883 7565 to find out more. Ceremony will be held 18 September, QUALIFIED PLUMBER REQUIRED at Putaruru College. Are you a qualified plumber looking for a change or do you know someone? Keep an eye out for We're on the hunt for some new team members to join us. More information is more information on below, or check out our job ad via the We're Hiring button on our website this event. The overall winner from the 2019 awards was Owlets Forest Early Learning Centre Rachelle & Mark Colebrook. www.foleys.co.nz Categories for this year’s awards are: Key details: Wage rate $30 - 36/hour depending on skills and experience 45 hours per week available with overtime rate paid after 40 hours at time and a Community third. Additional payment of approximately $1 per hour for Kiwisaver plus loads Sustainable Future Award recognising a group that demonstrates sustainable more benefits! practices embedded into the organisational strategy, vision and operations. If you're interested please either contact Ross, Branch Manager on 027 222 9602 Rangatahi Award recognising an individual under the age of 25 who shows or apply online. innovative leadership and embodies community spirit through their contribution to the Putaruru community. Contribution to the Rural Community recognising an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to our rural sector. Volunteer of the Year Award recognising an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the community.

Service to the Community a lifetime service award winner given to a deserving person who has supported and made a long-term impact in the Putaruru community. Business Graduating Apprentices acknowledging graduating apprentices in the Putaruru area who have successfully completed their studies and training.

Best Emerging Business recognising a business that has achieved significant success in the past 1-5 years as a result of effective planning and delivery.

Outstanding Employee recognising an employee, nominated by their employer, who embodies the culture and values of their workplace and who goes above and beyond, or has overcome challenges in their role.

Employer of the Year recognising a business that demonstrates how their people, practices and culture have contributed to the business’ outstanding success.

Service Excellence recognising a business that exemplifies excellence in all aspects of service delivery.

Excellence in Community Contribution recognising a business that has implemented initiatives that have positive impact on the Putaruru community. Initiatives can include, but are not limited to, projects, programmes, processes, systems, technologies, and supporting or collaborating with purposeful community groups.

Enterprise Award a special award recognising those who do something new, bold, innovative or original because of their commitment to Putaruru.

Supreme Award Overall Business Winner judges will select the Supreme Award winner for the 2021 Business Awards from the winners of the previous Business Awards categories. For more information please contact the Pride in Putaruru office on 07 883 7272 or email Lisa at [email protected] QUICK TIP TO FIND PiP TV Type pip putaruru into the YouTube search box then click SUBSCRIBE July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 11 SOUTH WAIKATO INVESTMENT FUND TRUST (SWIFT) Between 2012 and 2017, we added 600 extra registered nurses in mental health and addiction services. Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua; I walk backwards into the future with National also launched the ‘watch house nurse pilot’ in 2008 that placed mental my eyes fixed on my past. This whakataukī (proverb) beautifully illustrated health nurses into the Counties-Manukau police watch house. Following its conversations that SWIFT have had in recent times with our community. Yes, we success, the pilot became business as usual in 2014. But Labour scrapped it. need growth and increased prosperity, but we need to acknowledge our heritage and ensure the investments being made reflect our communities’ values. Growth In 2017 National began the rollout of 17 new initiatives in mental health. They not for growths sake, but growth that builds on our past and carries our whole included a co-response trial that sent mental health workers out on crisis callouts community into the future. with the police. But they were canceled by this Government. Despite the challenges of 2020, this year, and the years ahead, are looking very In the 2019/2020 financial year, police received 58,124 calls involving a person exciting. The projects that the trust have underway across our district build having a mental health crisis, distress, or threatening suicide. Having mental health on areas that our history has shown us to be strong in; but through ways that workers attend these callouts with police would have made a big difference. embrace modern technology, management, and job training. At the entrance to Tokoroa a new commercial building for Hancocks Forestry Management is being constructed to be completed in mid to late 2022. This combined with an investment by the trust to support the creation of a Central wood council, and a grant received by SWIFT from central government for the creation of two forestry logger simulators, combined with the new Toi Ohomai trades training centre due for completion in early 2023; reflect both our forestry past and provide pathways to our forestry future. We expect earthworks for both these projects to be underway in early spring. In Putaruru over a million dollars has been committed to business support, growth, and relocation activities across six businesses. The majority of these are again centred around our forestry industry as well as providing new employment opportunities they will be cornerstone to seeing Putaruru becoming the centre of excellence for timber processing. The redevelopment of the old Honda building is underway. There have been delays in the engineering design work required to bring the building up to Louise Upston at the The South Waikato Future Career Pathways Expo. modern earthquake code requirements, but this reflects the pressure the entire I recently shared Mike King’s campaign for the Government to address mental construction industry is dealing with as demand outstrips supply. The Trust expects health service concerns urgently. Sadly, the Government’s response was to launch completion for the initial stage of this project is still late this year or early next year yet another review of their inaction to take action. depending on materials and contractor availability. On completion this investment will support Putaruru’s Long term Plan objective of creating an Artisan Hub New Zealand is suffering a mental health crisis, and the Government has proven building on the success of Over The Moon Cheese and modernising Putaruru’s SH1 itself incapable of delivering on any of its promises to fix it. frontage while remaining complementary to the surrounding buildings. If I can assist anyone who needs help with accessing mental health services, or even just a listening ear, please do not hesitate to contact me on In addition, the past year has seen significant investment in entrepreneurial [email protected] or 07 886 5554. development through support of the Impact Hub, driver licensing for youth through the South Waikato Driver Training Programme, and youth forestry training through the Generation Programme. Over the past twelve months the fund has shown strong growth and currently sits at thirty million dollars with nearly nine million of that committed to current projects, grants and business development support. Moving forward the Trust has a strong pipeline of twelve projects and we are seeing a significant interest in businesses relocating to the district. For more on what the Trust has been doing and our latest Annual Report, visit our website www.swift.org.nz LOUISE UPSTON: MP FOR TAUPO Mental health services in despair. JENNIE BURNEY Four years ago, the Prime Minister pledged her Government would transform the ______mental health sector. But since then, things have only got worse. During my recent engagement forums, mental health was a frequently discussed YOUR topic. Most New Zealanders will know someone who has struggled with their LOCAL mental health at some point; it is a topic that hits close to home for many of us. LEGAL It was a big discussion point too at Fieldays and affects many farming EXPERT families. It is deeply worrying therefore, that the Government has delivered just five new acute mental health and addiction beds in the last four years since their announcement Taupo MP Louise Upston. of $235 million for new facilities. Le Pine & Co. Your local legal team, offering expertise They have hardly spent a cent as the only new facility that opened was one started from offices in Putaruru, Taupo, & Turangi with access under the previous National Government. In some facilities, patients are sleeping on the floor because there are no beds available. to the expertise of 48 firms in the NZ Law network. Wait times for children and teenagers trying to access mental health care has • Rural & Residential Conveyancing increased too from 21 days to 33 days since Labour was elected. My electorate office is increasingly receiving requests for urgent assistance from families • Commercial Conveyancing desperate for mental health services. • Enduring Powers of Attorney & Wills The National Government did things differently. • Trusts AN ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT We didn’t make an announcement of funding and then considered the job done. LEGAL PRACTICES We did the hard work across all of Government to improve access to mental health. Call us today to discuss your requirements. We increased funding for mental health over our term by 20 per cent, we Ph: 07 883 8096 16 Princes St, Putaruru upgraded the National Telehealth Service, and we began the 24/7 mental health www.lepine.co.nz triage serviced by mental health nurses. 12 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 RECENT BUSINESS CHANGES IN THE AREA FRIENDLY FORUM WITH LOUISE UPSTON A Friendly Forum with the Hon Louise Upston was held at The Timber Museum on 10 May. After a general introduction, covering the economy, health, public safety, housing, and technology those attending were asked to identify what they saw as priorities for Putaruru. Priorities raised were: • more businesses • more employment • limit footpaths to pedestrians - speeding cyclists, skateboarders an issue • children with lack of hope • ban large trucks in Princes Street Louise Upston at the Putaruru Friendly Forum. • establish a motor home park • kids dangerously crossing the road to the skate bowl • never see Police walking in town PUTARURU HIRE: New Owners - Industrial Hire Handyman Hire Party Hire • establish a second-hand draw card area in town 19 Taupo Street, Putaruru: 021 167 9138 021 562 480

The Putaruru Friendly Forum was held at The Timber Museum in May.

SOUTH WAIKATO AUTO: New Location 38 Arapuni Street, Putaruru: 021 498 409

HODDERVILLE FARMS PLANT NURSERY: New Business 1138 Old Taupo Road: 027 277 2282 To appear in these FREE listings, please contact The Prattler. YOUTH REPORTERS FOR THE PRATTLER WANTED The Prattler is looking for individuals or small groups of youths aged about 11 years and upwards who would like to share and discuss matters about life in the district from their point of view. This might interest a local class that is wanting to contribute in a most worthwhile way to assisting in community communication and representation. Those interested, including classroom teachers, should contact the Prattler editor so we can discuss this with you without obligation [email protected] It may be that you are a keen photographer or cinematographer as well. Please pass this community opportunity information on to any groups or individual you think may be interested. July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 13 14 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 DR IAN CHAPMAN AND THE COSMIC JIVE TRIO Dr Chapman described Bowie as a ‘tour guide,’ because of his changing styles, personas, alter-egos; Major Tom, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Halloween Jack, On Friday 18 June Dr Ian Chapman and The Cosmic Jive Trio presented David Bowie Thomas J Newton, the plastic soul man and the Thin White Duke who took us and The Art of Being Different at the Plaza, Putaruru. to places we may otherwise never have ventured. Bowie was a leader and not a What a pleasure and a privileged it was to experience the creations of David Bowie follower in terms of his fashion and music. through the insights of academic excellence and homage that Dr Ian Chapman and Ch-ch-changes, don't tell them to grow up and out of it The Cosmic Jive Trio brought us to the man who ruled the world. Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange) Ch-ch-changes, where's your shame? You’ve left us up to our necks in it Time may change me But you can’t trace time [Changes] The evening continued with many familiar and not so familiar Bowie numbers. Near the conclusion a more inward focused Bowie number, Kooks, from the Hunky Dory album looks ahead to parenthood, with optimism and offers advice to a child growing up in unconventional circumstances. Kooks was the name of his son. And if you ever have to go to the school Remember how they messed up this old fool Don't pick fights with the bullies or the cads ‘Cause I'm not much cop at punching other people’s dads And if the homework brings you down The Cosmic Jive Trio perform at The Plaza. Then we’ll throw it on the fire And take the car downtown [Kooks] The evening began with Life On Mars? and the musical exploration of life of those in the shadows, undervalued, on the edge, hidden away, outsiders. But her friend is nowhere to be seen Now she walks through her sunken dream To the seat with the clearest view And she's hooked to the silver screen [Life on Mars?] I’m not a prophet or a stone age man Just a mortal with potential of a superman [Quicksand] Dr Chapman is a musician, academic, author and Co-convener of Otago University’s Contemporary Music Degree course. Chapman is a specialist in the life and work of David Bowie and has written two books about him. The Cosmic Jive Trio: Doug Wright, Dr Ian Chapman and Pania Simmonds. Next up was the song that began it all for Bowie, Space Oddity, written just before But all things pass and the small, enthusiastic Plaza audience were treated to the Apollo 11 launch and shortly after the hugely influential 1968 Stanley Kubrick Starman as an encore. This was the natural choice really as it is the song Dr Ian film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Chapman and The Cosmic Jive Trio takes their name from. For here am I sitting in a tin can Far above the world Didn't know what time it was, the lights were low Planet Earth is blue I leaned back on my radio And there's nothing I can do [Space Oddity] Some cat was laying down some rock 'n' roll “Lotta soul,” he said Then the loud sound did seem to fade Came back like a slow voice on a wave of phase That weren't no DJ, that was hazy cosmic jive [Starman] ‘Edutainment’ is a description that crops up from time to time and although it sort of fit a tag for the evening The Prattler feels that an expression such as ‘pleasure dome’ is more appropriate for such a great night at the Plaza. Through Bowie, Dr Ian Chapman and The Cosmic Jive Trio like Janet Frame took us to our inner space framed "two inches behind the eyes." I heard telephones, opera house, favourite melodies I saw boys, toys, electric irons and TVs My brain hurt like a warehouse, it had no room to spare I had to cram so many things to store everything in there [Five Years] PUTARURU COMMUNITY PATROL UPDATE The process of becoming affiliated with Community Patrols NZ has taken longer than envisaged, all documentation has been submitted and we are now awaiting the conformation of membership. From there we can move forward with planning to fund raise for a vehicle, start police vetting of volunteers, training for volunteers and working out how we can best support our community. We have a small group of interested locals who have registered contact details, but we need more! If you would like to be part of a team who would observe and report without intervening, we would love to hear from you. It could be 1 night a week, fortnight or month whatever suits you. We can offer support, training and flexibility. Stu Aston. The patrol will only operate on the nights when we have volunteers to do it, we will keep in contact with our police, be a visible deterrent to those up to dodgy things and provide integral support to a busy police team.

For more information feel free to contact Stuart Aston 027 472 0685 or call at the Pride in Putaruru office in Overdale Street. July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 15 SARAH JONES’ 100TH BIRTHDAY Holly Holy was described as “stream of consciousness” by Zac but it’s Cardrona Rest Home recently celebrated Sarah Jones’ 100th birthday! Sarah is more a look at love on several levels Ngati Porou and grew up and worked as a teacher on the east coast. She is a big and possibly more about Neil - the sports lover and always a big supporter of the local rugby team and the All Blacks. “I’s” have it. She has also played a lot of sport herself across her life and loved to travel. Probably the highlight of the evening was You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, Zac performed as a duet with kiwi Catlin Penrose voice projecting the emotions of the song perfectly. The hits kept coming throughout the evening much to the delight of those attending. We probably all had favorites that were missing such as the human lives catalogue, (but not in a Don Giovanni sense), Done too New Zealander, Caitlin Penrose. Soon and the African influenced Tap Root Manuscript songs. Zac introduced I Am I Said as one of his favourite Neil Diamond songs. "I am"... I said To no one there And no one heard at all Not even the chair [I am... I Said] The evening concluded with Sweet Caroline, which acknowledged the name of the Neil Diamond tribute tour and we remember the real Neil himself announced he was retiring from the road due to Parkinson's disease in 2018. MONARCH BUTTERFLY This unexpected visitor arrived on a Thornton Street, Putaruru, property about midday 22 June. It sat in the sun for almost one hour before flying off across the farm next door. In the middle of June?

Sarah Jones celebrates her 100th birthday. Everyone was so excited to put on a special celebration for her at the home. Together with some of her family, Cardrona Rest Home held a high tea with all sorts of goodies and cake. We read all of the official acknowledgments of the milestone even a letter from the Queen and a group from Te Kura o Te Kaokaoroa joined us for some beautiful waiata. There was hardly a dry eye in the house after they had finished! SWEET CAROLINE AT THE PLAZA The Neil Diamond tribute show, The Sweet Caroline Tour played at The Plaza on 15 May to a very large audience and fittingly opened with What a Beautiful Noise. The enthusiastic audience probably had more attention span than Tic Toc timers.

Zac Coombs performing as Neil Diamond at The Plaza. The very strong line up, including some New Zealanders were: Lead Vocals and guitar: Zac Coombs, Guitar/Backing Vocals: Rusty Red, Bass: Andre van der Merwe, Acoustic Guitar/Backing Vocals: Maraka Saunders, Keys/Sax: Hayden Baird, Piano/ Backing Vocals: Warren Vernon-Driscoll, Drums: Ben Harper, and Percussion/ Backing Vocals: Mike Dickens. 16 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 PRODUCTIVITY: DOES IT AFFECT OUR WELLBEING? Innovative, knowledge-intensive products typically have high fixed costs. Making a return on the investment in the fixed costs of innovation requires scale. The A very significant report concerning Productivity was released in April 2021 by the challenges of getting sufficient scale are greater because of geography. New Zealand Productivity Commission. Because of its implications and importance for improving business outcomes, The Prattler provides some report extracts. Our The challenges of a small domestic market and geographic distance. falling productivity as a country is a cause for concern. This report addresses that Part of the explanation for New Zealand’s weak productivity performance and and looks ahead as to how this might be turned around. underperforming frontier firms is the small size of its domestic market and its distant location from large international markets. These factors create high upfront The Prattler acknowledges the New Zealand Productivity Commission for allowing costs and risks of expanding into overseas markets. Entering international markets publication of the extracts. These are all direct statements from the document can involve many years of research and planning, including work to understand except for a very few tense changes. target markets, develop distribution chains, build in-country partnerships and New Zealand’s disappointing productivity performance has held back its tailor product offerings. And because of the small size of the domestic market, New standard of living, and wellbeing more generally, for many years. In simple terms, Zealand firms that wish to grow beyond domestic borders must begin exporting productivity can be thought of as working “smarter” rather than “harder.” For when they are still small firms by international standards. This makes expanding the last 25 years or more New Zealand’s income per person has stayed at about overseas even more difficult, expensive and risky, particularly for firms in traditional 70% of the average of that in countries in the top half of the OECD. New Zealand’s industries that require transporting physical commodities across long distances. position among OECD countries would be even weaker if not for the relatively There are promising signs that these risks are lower for firms in the “weightless” long hours (on average) that people in New Zealand work. Improvements in industries, such as software, health technology and creative industries. labour productivity (the value of output per hour worked) have made only a small Together with New Zealand’s remote location, the high fixed costs of exporting contribution to aggregate economic growth. In short, New Zealand has been partly explain why New Zealand has relatively few large, established and working harder rather than smarter. successful exporting firms, and a low overall level of exports to GDP. Distance GLOSSARY New Zealand’s productivity performance from international markets also makes it difficult and therefore quite rare for New Frontier firms are the most productive has continued to lag despite various Zealand firms to participate in high value-added parts of global supply chains. significant policy efforts, which highlights firms in the domestic economy within their Exporting innovative products at scale is the key to success. own industry. (This is a plain language how difficult it is to lift national definition of the concept.) productivity. This decades-old problem has Geography is not destiny: New Zealand can do better. An opportunity exists for persisted through large structural changes New Zealand to change key aspects of the status quo and lift performance. It is Innovation a process by which a domain, in the economy. not about tearing things down and starting again. In many ways New Zealand is a product, or a service is renewed and This inquiry focused on a central but already an innovative place, but it needs to get much better at turning those good brought up to date by applying new ideas into world-leading firms. processes, introducing new techniques, or relatively under-explored aspect of New establishing successful ideas to create new Zealand’s productivity performance - the Learning from other small advanced economies. value. When you fully accept the status economic contribution of the country’s most productive firms. These “frontier” Other SAEs also face the constraints of small domestic markets and some are quo at work or in your personal life nothing relatively remote. Successful SAEs can therefore provide lessons for New Zealand will change. Innovation is related to, but firms contribute both directly (by pushing out the productivity frontier and growing that are more relevant than larger economies. SAEs are different. They are not just not the same as, invention. Innovation scaled-down versions of larger economies, but have specific characteristics that is more likely to involve the practical larger) and by acting as exemplars for other firms in innovative new technologies and shape their performance. For SAEs, the standard policy prescriptions may help, but implementation of an invention (ie new / they are not sufficient for success. improved ability) to make a meaningful practices. A striking finding of this inquiry impact in a market or society, and not all is that the labour productivity of New Successful SAEs are located mostly in Europe (eg, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, the innovations require a new invention. Zealand’s frontier firms is less than half Netherlands) but also in the Middle East and Asia (eg, Israel and Singapore). When (45%) that of the best frontier firms in other benchmarked against other SAEs, New Zealand’s frontier firms are (on average) Wellbeing the state of being comfortable, small advanced economies (SAEs). less likely to be world class in their respective sectors than those from successful healthy or happy - what one person feels Improving productivity is not a silver bullet. SAEs. While New Zealand does have examples of world-leading firms, it does not is their perfect state of wellbeing may be have enough of them. And the ones it does have are modest in size. Successful completely different from another person. New Zealand has problems with housing affordability and inequality, and must take SAEs also have a much greater proportion of specialised, distinctive products in on the challenge of dramatically lowering its their export mix and higher ratios of exports to GDP, compared to New Zealand. It greenhouse gas emissions. This inquiry acknowledges these are serious issues and is timely for New Zealand to learn from other SAEs. work on them must continue. However, lifting New Zealand’s productivity will make Frontier firms exist within ecosystems of deep capabilities. tackling these problems easier. Maximising the contribution from frontier firms is central to lifting national productivity and wellbeing. Exporting distinctive products at scale is the way to reach for the global frontier. Successful SAEs have outstanding records of exporting specialised and distinctive goods and services at scale. Their frontier firms operate at the global frontier; in other words, they are world leading. These have the scale needed to invest in innovation and exporting, through being large “anchor firms” or through collaboration among smaller firms. Fundamental to the success of any developed economy is innovation that produces specialised and distinctive internationally tradeable goods and services. For a long time, New Zealand has grown by increasing the volume of products made from its natural resources; but, given environmental limits, that path to growth cannot continue. Therefore, innovation is essential to New Zealand’s economic future. With it, a country has a chance to gain and retain a world-leading competitive advantage in some markets. Without it, products and production processes become standardised, widely understood and therefore open to competing production in lower-wage economies. Such competition is a natural, market-led phenomenon that benefits living standards and wellbeing in emerging economies. But it puts pressure on developed countries to play to their competitive advantage - which is their ability to innovate by bringing together highly skilled people and specialised technologies in ways that are hard to replicate. July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 17 PRODUCTIVITY: DOES IT AFFECT OUR WELLBEING? depend on market and non-market factors such as the intensity of competition and who has more power. This illustrates the importance of competition law, SAEs employ three complementary strategies to achieve the goal of specialised, labour law and effective regulation. distinctive products at scale. Even so, working smarter does make some people in society better off. Indeed, • Attract high-quality foreign direct investment. higher productivity is necessary for a sustained lift in material wellbeing. • Support individual companies to meet the fixed costs of innovation and exporting. In one important exception, citizens of a small country can enjoy higher living • Invest in building “innovation ecosystems” around their frontier firms, in standards without higher productivity. If no firm or worker in the country raises selected focus areas. their productivity, yet prices of the country’s exports go up, or the prices of its imports go down, at least some citizens will be better off. Such changes are termed These ecosystems are made up of entities, their capabilities, and the networks favourable shifts in the country’s “terms of trade.” Welcome as such changes might between them. Firms are at the centre of the ecosystem, including larger be, they are outside a country’s control. Prices can move the other way and so “anchor” firms providing “canopy cover” for small and medium enterprise (SMEs) make people worse off. Such changes are simply an inevitable positive or negative and entrepreneurs. The ecosystem also includes workers with the right skills, risk faced by small trading nations. international links, research bodies, education and training providers, mentors and investors with deep knowledge and understanding of the industry, and enabling Profitability and productivity are also often confused, yet they are different infrastructure and regulations. concepts. Profit can increase without improving productivity, for example when firms and employees work harder rather than smarter. Productivity can also These three strategies need to work together. New Zealand already does the first increase without improving profitability, for example if people work smarter and two actions (with varying degrees of success) through agencies like New Zealand wages rise to capture all the benefit. Trade and Enterprise and Callaghan Innovation. The main difference with SAEs is that New Zealand does not, to the same degree, intentionally focus investment on New Zealand has a low level and growth rate of productivity. a few innovation ecosystems. That is a major insight gained from this inquiry. New Zealand’s disappointing productivity performance has held back its standard of living and wellbeing more generally for many years. This fact is widely Productivity, income, and wellbeing are often confused, but they are different documented and acknowledged. concepts. Raising productivity is a powerful way to improve wellbeing because it gives society, whānau and individuals choices. For the last 25 years or more, New Zealand’s GDP per head has remained around 70% of the GDP per head that prevails in countries in the top half of the OECD Wellbeing is an ultimate goal. It is influenced by income, plus a range of things (Nolan et al., 2019). that money can’t buy. These include relationships with friends and family, good health, leisure time, and interests and hobbies. Income can help fund these things, Improvements in labour productivity (value added per hour worked) have made but more time spent working to earn that income means less time to spend on only a weak contribution to aggregate economic growth (Skilling, 2020). “New achieving those things. Zealand is ... just one of a small number of OECD countries who have had both low levels and growth of labour productivity since 1996” (Nolan et al., 2019,) Execution is critical to avoiding the failures of past efforts New Zealand firms: Reaching for the frontier Future state Final report April 2021. New Zealand’s slow labour productivity growth relative to other OECD countries has continued since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). While Thinly spread funding labour productivity growth slowed across the OECD to an average of 0.9% a year Significant long-term over 2010 to 2017, New Zealand’s fell to 0.5% a year (OECD, 2019). Governance & investment in focus areas According to the economic-growth concept of “convergence,” countries at lower Uncoordinated and implementation levels of productivity will tend to grow faster relative to high-productivity countries fragmented support • Senior leadership Coordinated effort as they learn, and as they adopt and adapt knowledge, techniques, and practices across government from the advanced group. New Zealand is unusual in not fulfilling this expectation. • Consolidation of It is “keeping up, but not catching up” in its growth in GDP per head, but even Weak industry-research existing supports Researchers, industry, connections keeping up is due to its high labour-force participation and long hours worked • Shared decision-making Maori and government working together rather than growth in labour productivity (Conway, 2016). • Independent monitoring To reach and sustain scale, high levels of innovation and strong international Little evidence of impact and evaluation Transparent, adaptive connections, firms require sophisticated governance and leadership, risk implementation management processes, and the ability to detect and pursue new opportunities. Teece (2017, 2019) describes this bundle of skills, abilities and resources as “dynamic capabilities.” Current state Teece and others distinguish “dynamic” from “ordinary” capabilities.

Income is commonly generated by selling products (goods and services). Ordinary capabilities Dynamic capabilities Businesses make products to sell by employing people and using resources (machines, raw materials, land, and goods and services from other businesses). Technical efficiency in basic Strategic 'fit' over the long run Products include hamburgers, house painting and haircuts. Businesses then use Purpose their sales revenue to pay for the costs of resources, pay their staff wages and pay business functions. (evolutionary fitness). tax. Anything left over is profit. Wages and profits are the main forms of income for people (alongside government transfers). Operational, administrative Sensing, seizing, shaping Aspects Households and businesses that make up an economy can increase their income in & governance. & transforming. two ways - working harder and working smarter (productivity). Working harder improves income, but it doesn’t always improve wellbeing. For Imitability Relatively easy to imitate. Hard for rivals to imitate. example, a higher income might come from longer working hours, meaning less time with friends and family. Or it might come from using more resources without considering that they harm the natural environment. Is our wellbeing improved from these changes? It is hard to say, but sometimes the answer is no. Higher incomes - DOING THINGS RIGHT DOING THE RIGHT THINGS whether made up of wages or profits - are not always a good thing for wellbeing. Mantra Working smarter - in other words, improving productivity - nearly always improves at least some people’s wellbeing and doesn’t harm others. Working smarter usually EFFICIENCY INNOVATION comes from innovation - from doing things differently. Working smarter gives Ordinary vs dynamic capabilities Source: Teece & Brown (2020) choices. For example, it can give people higher incomes for the same number of hours worked. This means they can purchase and enjoy more goods and services Too much emphasis on ordinary capabilities can inhibit the development of during their leisure time. New Zealanders - as with citizens of most developed dynamic capabilities. countries - have seen their incomes rise steadily since the Second World War. The adoption of managerial best practices (ie, strong ordinary capabilities) can Alternatively, people might decide to work fewer hours but keep their income measurably raise productivity, but it doesn’t guarantee future growth. A narrow the same. This can give people more time with friends and family and a better management focus on best practices alone can stand in the way of innovation that work-life balance - improving their wellbeing. The hours that people work in many dynamic capabilities seek to foster, because best practices are about optimisation European countries have been reducing over past decades. and efficiency (doing things right). By contrast, dynamic capabilities are forward- Of course, a lot depends on who gets the benefit of working smarter. The workers looking and strategic in nature. They are integral to selecting, developing and in the business might benefit from higher wages. Consumers might benefit coordinating ordinary capabilities and help determine where and how companies from cheaper products or a better product at the same price (computers and allocate their financial, technological and organisational resources to shape smartphones are good examples of this). And the owners of the business might and respond to markets (doing the right things). The management of successful benefit from higher profits. Usually, we would expect to see varying proportions of frontier firms must be able to balance both efficiency now and effectiveness for higher wages, cheaper or better products and higher profits. The proportion will the future. (Teece & Brown, 2020, p 8.) 18 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 PRODUCTIVITY: DOES IT AFFECT OUR WELLBEING? compared to their international counterparts, with HR management an area of particular weakness (Green & Agarwal, 2010). Lack of management resources was Insights from Maori firms the second most significant barrier to innovation reported by firms in the 2019 Key points Business Operations Survey. • The Maori economy exhibits many of the characteristics needed for firms to innovate, grow and support higher living standards and improved wellbeing. [The Prattler acknowledges the New Zealand Productivity Commission for allowing Employment in Maori authorities and SMEs has been growing faster than in publication of these extracts. Thy are all direct statements from the document the wider economy, and a high proportion of Maori SMEs have invested in New Zealand firms: Reaching for the frontier,Final report April 2021 except for a expansion. Maori authorities and SMEs are more likely to export than New very few tense changes.] Zealand firms generally, and also have higher rates of innovation and R&D. New Zealand firms: Reaching for the frontier Final report April 2021

Features of Māori firms can help spur innovation.

• The need to serve multiple objectives (“multiple bottom lines”) can be a strong driver of ambition in Maori firms, which can also flow through to expectations on suppliers. High shareholder ambition can also spur innovation PUTARURU GIRL GUIDES and experimentation, providing the underlying assets are not put at risk. Putaruru Girl Guides are looking for more girls to join them in their adventures. • Maori firms operate within a unique Maori business ecosystem. Challenges Guides is a great way arise from having to navigate the complexity of governance structures, to make new friends, relationships and other dimensions. However, common values and learn new skills and build features help bring Maori businesses together around shared goals. Formal and confidence, all while informal networks among Maori businesses are important having fun. The girls work for diffusing knowledge, exploring innovations and enabling collaboration. on a variety of activities • Maori values such as kaitiakitanga, kōtahitanga and whanaungatanga help from arts and crafts, to differentiate Maori goods and services and provide added brand value overseas community projects and These values also closely align with growing global consumer demand for camps. products with strong environmental and social credentials. This presents The Guides and Rangers growth opportunities for kaupapa Maori firms and collectives. are currently fundraising High-quality management matters for productivity to attend the National Jamboree in January. High-quality management is an important driver of productivity. Management capability and practices are a significant determinant of firm productivity (Bloom, Guiding starts with Brynjolfsson, et al., 2019; Bloom et al., 2017). Firms need the right management Pippins, from age 5, skills and culture to learn and adopt new ideas, technologies and processes from and progresses through high-performing firms at the frontier. Adopting industry best practices around Brownies, into Guides and operational matters such as human resource (HR) management, health and safety, then Rangers. performance measurement and quality control involves what Teece (2019) terms The small but busy local “ordinary capabilities.” group currently has Ordinary capabilities are necessary but not sufficient to generate productivity spaces available for more gains. A firm with more strategic, entrepreneurial ability - “dynamic management girls to join them. capabilities” - is able, in addition, to sense (identify) and seize opportunities to Pippins (ages 5 - 7) and innovate and transform its business, potentially pushing the frontier out (Teece, Brownies (ages 7 - 9) 2019). According to Teece, these strategic, dynamic management capabilities are meet during school terms necessary for radical innovation and sustained productivity growth. on Monday from 3:30am Taylor, Isabelle and Charlotte Tomalin. Evidence suggests that many New Zealand firms lack the governance and - 5pm. leadership capabilities needed to innovate, grow and internationalise. A Guides and Rangers follow the younger girls. benchmarking study of management practices in New Zealand manufacturing firms found that New Zealand firms have relatively poor management practices If you’d like to visit or find out more information, contact Jan Tomalin 07 883 7229. July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 19 PUTARURU THEATRE PLAYERS: MONKY BUSINESS TIRAU COMMUNITY BOARD NEWS The Putaruru Theatre Players completed a successful season of the musical At the Domain the suspension bridge is all approved and we are looking at October comedy Monky Business. Karen Goodacre and Amy Goodwin were the directors for that to be installed. This will join the upper and lower domain. Then the next with Tina Ward the musical director. exciting stages of toilets and recreational facilities for the Domain can be planned. The title plays on the phrase ‘monkey business’ and also pays a nod to the Marx The Tirau Community Board have been in talks with council about holding a brothers when it references in the first covenant (half), Harpo Marx, the silent one neighbourhood party at the end of the year at the Domain for our community so who ‘talks’ through an array of props. In Monky Business Ben Radford plays Brother everyone can see what is happening there. It's also a great excuse for a get together Forte who demonstrates the skills of a Foley artist and the timing of Harpo. In the before Christmas. second half, Brother Forte lives up to his name when his voice comes out. There have also been celebrations of Matariki in Tirau. Thank you to all those involved in marking this important occasion. Tīrau residents can expect to see site works on the installation of WiFi and CCTV in the Tīrau CBD progressing over the next few weeks.

Monks: Dominic Bowers-Mason, Ben Radford and Timatanga Baigent. The other monks were monastically played by Vic O’Rourke, (Abbot Costello), Dominic Bowers-Mason, Lights now installed at the Tirau crossing. (Brother Brooks), John McLean, The pedestrian crossing lights have now been installed. (Brother Clarence) and Timatanga I have also attended a meeting with a view to starting up a community patrol Baigent, (Brother Lee Love), around Tirau, Putaruru, Arapuni and surrounding areas, but we need more people There were many puns of to be able to make this a reality, so if you are interested please make contact. course, ‘no hair like mohair’ Another exciting project is getting the Tirau emergency response plan up and and spoonerisms, ‘bridge that running. This will consist of a poster/booklet that tells residents what to do and cross,’ but that’s the beauty of where to go in an emergency in our town. This could be earthquake/flooding/ many Putaruru Theatre Players volcanic eruptions and the like. We have a great team doing this and really productions. appreciate your time you have given up for the community. Things move quite quickly, (for We have an awesome team on the TCB, Christine, Kevin, Sharon, myself and Peter monks) as the plot reveals that the (our Tirau councillor) and we welcome you all getting in touch with concerns/ monastery may become a casino comments and ideas. unless a large sum of money can I would like to thank the South Waikato District Council, Tirau has had so many be raised to buy it. Now that the wins for our community the last 2 years and for that we are thankful. season is over we can reveal that they do. “He aha te mea nui o te ao? Monk Vic O'Rourke. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.” Set design was sharp with special mention of the lighting used to highlight, (of course) the devil in disguise Brother Clarence as he switches his monk/devil [Kerry Purdy - Tirau Community Board Chairperson] moniker on and off. PRATTLER & BUSINESS E ZINE PUBLISHING DATES August 4 Business E Zine August 20 September Prattler copy closes September 1 Prattler Delivery

October 6 Business E Zine October 22 November Prattler copy closes November 3 Prattler Delivery November 26 December Prattler copy closes E Zine QR Code access. December 15 Prattler Delivery

John McLean: Brother Clarence (the devil). Following the success of the musical Monky Business, Putaruru Theatre Players next production is a full length comedy play Exit Laughing by Paul Elliot. It will be on stage from 12 to 20 August. This show promises to have plenty of laughs! It will be directed by Allen Ward. Cast members are Anna Isemonger, Amy Goodwin, Caroline Eggers, Victoria Isemonger and Edmund Wilson. When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the ‘girls,’ what do you do when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? If you're Connie, Leona and Millie, three southern ladies from Birmingham, you do the most daring thing you've ever done. You ‘borrow’ the ashes from the funeral home for one last card game, and the wildest, most exciting night of your lives involves a police raid, a stripper and a whole new way of looking at all the fun you can have when you're truly living. 20 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 ROTARY PUTARURU As this is written, it is National Volunteer Week. We currently have a small group of volunteers working in our community through Rotary, along with numerous others of you from all sorts of groups. Well done everyone. We have just had our big project South Waikato’s Got Talent.’ What an amazing event and so well supported. Results were: (see page 29 for photos) Youth Adults First Dakota France First Brett Bolt Runner Up Jennah Douthett Runner Up Fiona Stephen We are raising money towards the establishment of a barbecue area in the Barnett Street playground. Funds from the talent show, along with other fundraising including our Winter Warmer Raffle, will hopefully combine with several grant applications to make this a reality. The Winter Warmer Raffle was won by Alison Riley. Thanks for all the support to date. Puketurua, FMG, South Waikato Police and Federated Farmers joined together in June to present a Crime prevention seminar to the community. There were a lot of At our monthly dinner meetings, we generally have a speaker. In May we welcomed statistics and advice on keeping ourselves and our properties safe. Lisa Mansell from Pride in Putaruru who spoke about her role as the new Business and Community Liaison officer. Lisa shared her role and visions for the future. The next Police Community meeting in Putaruru will be held around September. We’ll keep you informed. In June we had a very impressive and enlightening presentation from a PUTARURU FIBRE CRAFTERS young local lady Fiona Stephen. Fiona A group of like-minded ladies got together in 2018. was this year’s recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA). This Each year we have met as a group for the World Wide Knitting day at different involved a week long live-in camp at venues. It is a lot of fun and the public with their children come along and enjoy. Camp Epworth. We were given an in- depth account of Fiona’s experiences and learning. Our long-term project of recycling your old vehicle batteries is still ongoing. Batteries can be dropped into Farmlands/Farm Source/PGG Wrightson’s or ring Martin 027 683 7273 to arrange for a pick up. We will be having our Annual Book Sale later in the year but are currently trying to source a storage venue for the public to drop off books. Sandra Wallace, Judith Bennett, Fiona Stephen. If you are a business in town with spare storage space, we’d love to hear from you. Phone Sandra 0210 2913702. Meetings 1st Thursday of the month, 7am at the Crown and Anchor. A section of the group at the weekly Baptist Church Hall meeting venue., 3rd Thursday of the month, 6pm at The Cook Bar & Grill (Putaruru Hotel). It was not long before knitting needles started clicking and crotchet hooks making lace. And then came along the spinning wheels. We welcome interest in joining our group of volunteers to ‘make a difference’ in our town and surrounding district, at the same time as having fun and building It's a very active group. We have members who can help those that would like to friendships. Phone Judith 027 285 4915 to find out more. learn more about their chosen craft. Members have a variety of skills from knitting, crotchet, spinning, weaving and POLICE COMMUNITY MEETINGS embroidery, other skills like knitted toys and dolls. The second Police Community meeting was held at The Plaza on Tuesday 15 June. Senior Sgt Murray Hamilton, Sgt Daniel Peat, and Community Constable Stein Thomas provided an update on matters raised at the previous meeting in February.

Senior Sgt Murray Hamilton, Community Constable Stein and Sgt Daniel Peat. The road policing team have been patrolling targeted Putaruru areas in relation to vehicle speed and Murray Hamilton reported that the annual crime stats were the same as last year. Pauline Goodwin and Pam Paine knitting in public at the Artisans Collective Store. It is an active group who do a lot of charity work and donate the good so A question about security cameras was asked. There are currently 6 in Putaruru organisations such as hospitals for new born babies and knit wear for local charity with Tirau about to get some. Those in Tokoroa are about to be changed to 320 outlets and local schools for warm slippers for the winter season. degree coverage for more effectiveness. World Wide Knitting Day took place recently and Pam Paine and Pauline Goodwin Janet Paiti, the Tokoroa Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator is looking for co- set themselves up in the Artisans Collective Store. ordinators in Putaruru, Tirau, and Arapuni to expand the support network to a We welcome anyone who would like to join us. South Waikato wide one. We meet at the Baptist Church Hall on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm on Stu Aston, of the Putaruru Community Patrol group is setting up the group with Arapuni Road, Putaruru. CPNZ, (Community Patrols New Zealand), and is now recruiting members. Stu sees this group as helping make a difference in our community. Contact number for the group Pauline 07 883 8618. July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 21 WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE PUTARURU LIBRARY? creative holiday programme for the children of the South Waikato. The programmes have been distributed to the schools in the district and if your child hasn’t received a programme yet then please visit us at the library to collect one and complete the registration form to get started. The activities are super cool and loads of fun. This year we are incorporating the S.T.A.R.S and the S.R.P together and at the end of summer we will celebrate with a large Finale party and awesome prizes. National Simultaneous Storytime On the 19 May we took part in the National Simultaneous Storytime. Our Compliance Manager Kerry read the story to the children, teachers and parents that joined us at the Putaruru Library. Library Week This started on 4 June and ran until 12 June. This was a great success with a huge book sale, a book amnesty, swap cans of food for free rentals day, Digital connections where we had VR’s for the children and adults to play with which was so much fun to watch. On Tuesday 8 June we invited the residents from the Rangiura Rest Home and Cardrona to a Mad Hatters Tea Party. They The Jim Howland service centre in Putaruru. all brought a hat with them to Every Tuesday we decorate. Lots of fun and chatter have free Digital was heard throughout the library Support sessions and afterwards they stayed for a in the library for delicious morning tea. anyone who would On Friday 11 June we had like to learn more a teddy bears picnic for the about their digital children which was a whole lot device and how to of fun with photos of what the get the best from teddies got up to during the their device. These night in the library. sessions are going What the teddies got up to at night captured on security TV. really well. We have Services available in the library a few regulars that JP Service - Every Friday between 10am and 12 Noon - no appointment necessary. come and spend time learning their Meet the Mayor - Every 4th Wednesday of the month between 10am and 11am - devices each Tuesday no appointment necessary. with Desiree, Taylah If you are unable to get to the library due to illness, injury and no one else is able and Patoa. to get you books but enjoy reading, you can complete our Books 2 U registration form. We can deliver books to you every 3 weeks. You let us know what you enjoy reading and we will do our best to choose books for you. Normal library membership conditions apply to the loan of items. Also available at the library photocopying/printing internet access public computers school holiday programmes display space scanning laminating council documents eBooks talking books reference directories DVD’s puzzles music CDs CD Roms There is plenty of space around the library to sit and chat with a friend or 2 as well as books and activities for the children to amuse themselves. We look forward to seeing more of you come in to take advantage of our great space. National Simultaneous Storytime at the library. For example: CHOPPA BLOCK LTD Create an email address How to download Apps How to send an email How to attach a document to an email The Choppa Block firewood business is located at 87 Princes Street Putaruru, How to create a CV How to search supplying split firewood ready for you to burn. If you are having trouble figuring out how to use your phone, laptop or tablet then please come in and book some time with Desiree on Tuesdays. This service is also 027 966 3246 available in the Tokoroa Library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Call us on 07 8837187 to book a space. 87 Princes Street, Putaruru S.T.A.R.S Holiday Programme 2021 www.choppablock.nz School holidays are fast approaching with Term 2 ending on the 9 July 2021. We have a few great projects for over the school holidays so please bring your children along for some fun and learning. The team have been very busy organising a Choppa Block is your new local firewood business. We offer free local delivery in Putaruru/Tirau and offer pick-ups by arrangement.

Hat making at the Mad Hatters Tea Party. facebook.com/choppablocknz 22 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 TRANSFORM AOTEAROA AT A GLANCE Champion of the cause, Creative Waikato led a response backed by the Waikato Community Funders Group, and 10 artist proposals were chosen to complete Transform Aotearoa has been kept busy this term with all our artworks, with extremely moving responses. regular personal development and leadership programmes as well as the addition ‘There’s no place for racism in our society, it only ends with hatred’, said Simon Te of some new programmes like Cooking on a Shoestring, and Teenage Youth Wheoro, one of last year's artists who shaped a teardrop sculpture from Takaka Programmes for teen girls both of which were very successful. marble sourced from a demolished part of Wellington’s parliament building, to Next month we have a new programme starting - Logistics and Roading Basics. acknowledge pain and suffering, saying, ‘it’s time for change.’ We are partnering with Industry Training Solutions to bring this programme to The new commissioned pieces will join the work of Te Wheoro and become part Putaruru. It is a three-day programme, and we are now taking enrollments if you of a growing collection of mahi that serves to build a sense of whanaungatanga or are interested in attending. Please check the fine print as there is an eligibility family and unity through local artistic offerings. criteria. Details are included on the poster below. All backgrounds, mediums, and art forms are invited to submit, from visual and Next term we continue the great line up of programmes with Building Awesome written, to performance and cultural. Whanau, a parenting course for those with children between 0 - 12 years of age. Completed works will exist across multiple formats, to engage, inform, and We have added another HT Class 2 programme to our year due to increased connect people across different cultures, ages, languages and communities. interest. Numbers are limited so if you are interested in the October 4th - 8th class For example, a selection from last year’s works have continued to foster unity, then please get in touch with us ASAP. and have been developed into a teaching resource by Schoolkit.co.nz which are currently rolling out to 350 classrooms Waikato wide. Our men’s and women’s personal development programmes will continue as usual along with our Te Reo programmes for both beginners and advanced students. Each artist will maintain ownership of their original works, which will be returned once the live exhibition for 2021 has closed. However, they shall continue existence The staff have already seen huge changes in people’s lives this year from attending digitally on the Kotahitanga Gallery website, to be shared and revisited time and our programmes. We watch on as people use the practical tools provided to time again as the collection grows and the important conversation continues. address issues and internal conflicts and witness them overcome and find Deadline for proposal submissions is 5pm, Friday 16 July, with all details and resolution. We are so proud of every individual that is brave enough to tackle the criteria available at creativewaikato.co.nz/kotahitanga2021 inner giants and walk free. Explore the full Kotahitanga kaupapa and previous works at kotahitangagallery.nz Many thanks to Trinity Lands for their continued support. SENIORNET COURSES JULY - AUGUST 2021 Genealogy using DNA Saturday A class for beginner DNA Users. 31 July - 24 September Supporting your research at all Cost $60 (8 weeks) levels. Requirement: Must have had 10:30am 1:00pm your DNA tested at Ancestry.

Monday Online Banking Free This course is 23 August 1am - 3pm Learn how to navigate internet provided with the banking, pay your bills online and help of Westpac Bank set up regular payments.

Monday Windows 10 26 July - 16 August Learn about this system, which is in most computers. Tips and tricks. Cost $60 10:00am 12:00pm Tutor Raewyn Adams Photo Books Monday Learn how to transfer your digital Cost $30 26 July - 30 August photos into a photo book, canvas Plus printing of 1:00am - 3:00pm prints or calendars. your book Tutor Gail Douglas File Management Monday What do you do with files and Cost $5:00 30 August how do you find them again? Bring your own laptop Tutor: Terry Jackson or your files on a 10:00am 12noon USB stick Genealogy Tuesday This class is for people beginning 27 July - 21 September their Genealogy journey, and is basic Cost $45.00 genealogy, creating a family tree and 1:00pm - 3:00pm researching your family history. There will be someone there to help you.

Monday Win Tutor 13 September and For a very beginner who has never 20 September been confident to try using a Two free lessons 1:00pm - 3:00pm computer. Basic computer skills.

Monday Online Shopping 27 September Never done this before? Learn how 1:00pm - 3:00pm to order things like your groceries Cost $5 and how to buy goods from local and/or national businesses. Monthly Members Meeting Tuesday 10 August Apple Mac Clinic Members Free 10:00am - 12:00pm Non members $2 14 September Apple Mac Clinic 10:00am - 12:00pm Members Free Non-Members Gold Coin TEN WAIKATO ARTISTS WANTED Thursday Ten Waikato artists wanted to join an ongoing kaupapa against racism. 19 August 10:00am - 12:00pm Members Morning Tea & AGM Kotahitanga: United Through Creativity is open for 2021, encouraging Waikato 1:00pm - 3:00pm Monthly Camera Club Cost $2.00 artists to unite through creativity and join an ongoing campaign and conversation 16 September that aims to strengthen our diverse communities, and fight racism. 10:00am - 12:00pm Members Morning Tea 1:00pm - 3:00pm Monthly Camera Club Cost $2.00 Creative Waikato are again looking for 10 Waikato based artists, to submit a proposal to create a brand new, commissioned piece of artwork that holds and One on one lessons depending on your needs. expresses the kaupapa of kotahitanga. Email: [email protected] After Hours phone 0274 764 607 Kotahitanga, came as a response to the tumultuous events of 2020, which saw a disgusting outpour of racism and hate, that Jenny Nand of the Waikato Community Booking for all lessons and classes is essential - Payment in Advance Please. Funders Group, said at the time was ‘not representative of the inclusive Waikato COPYING, LAMINATING, BINDING AVAILABLE that we believe in.” July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 23

RANGIURA NEWS It was an exciting day after 18 months of fundraising efforts. The Rangiura Fundraising Committee would like to acknowledge generous grants from Trinity After receiving their new van and electric carrier cart recently, Rangiura was Lands, the Stockbridge Trust, Trust Waikato, Lions Tokoroa, and more recently a grateful to have Pastor Markus Schonberger from the Putaruru Baptist Church wonderful donation from the Combined Churches of Putaruru. officially bless these two vehicles on 20 May.

Seen at the Rangiura vehicle blessing ceremony. A sunny day enabled guests, residents, Trust Board and Fundraising Committee members to explore the vehicles and watch a demonstration of the wheelchair Special thanks also go to our amazing local community and businesses for their platform hoist in operation at the back of the van. generosity and sponsorship of fundraising initiatives including raffles and the Golf Tournament and Auction in March. Your support has provided the Rangiura residents with top quality transport that will give them great ‘away’ experiences. 24 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 COMMUNITY GARDEN: MAXIMISING CONTRIBUTIONS Rotary has also pledged funds towards the Home Garden Project which we plan to expand in the spring. Long term crops such as potatoes, parsnips and kumara are all dug now freeing up lots of planting space. In replenishing these gardens we realise the value of large ongoing donations we receive - topsoil, calf shed sweepings, composting lucerne, alpaca poo.

Community Garden produce in the field and in the boot. Having all of this available is essential to being able to continue our planting cycle and consequently to continuing to produce quality vegetables in the quantities needed. We are still awaiting the arrival of real winter weather. Frost cloth covers are put to To make the distribution of vegetables more efficient we now weigh what goes out. good use over newly planted seedlings. Our tunnel houses and shade house are all These records are also important when applying for funding. We are only delivering being utilised. The funds from the raffle organised by Sandra Wallace are appreciated on Tuesdays for the next couple of month to meet our weekly fixed costs for continuous planting at this time of year. Our Garden is very well supported by the Putaruru Community. Thank you! Last Tuesday we had 28kg of produce in the car, we know that is about half of what we supplied 3 - 4 months ago both in weight and range of vegetables. Thanks to QUICK TIP TO FIND PiP TV ongoing practical support from Rotary we are grateful to have a device to bring us into the 21st century and record all of this on. Type pip putaruru into the YouTube search box then click SUBSCRIBE HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? We have a team of local, experienced salespeople, working together to meet your real estate needs. Your Local Agents Call us: 07 883 8810

Fred Seidel 027 474 5102 Diane Urbahn 027 290 8959 Rebekah Takao 021 154 0729 Sales Sales/Office Manager Rentals Putaruru Real Estate Ltd Phone: 07 883 8810 Email: [email protected] July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 25

HODDERVILLE FARMS PLANT NURSERY Hodderville Farms (located at the site of the Salvation Army Hodderville Boys Home) out towards Waotu has been in the planting business for over three decades. We are proud to have an extensive range of established trees, native revegetation examples, and spectacular hedges - all on site. A couple of years ago we decided to begin growing our own plants.

Amelia Filius and Janice Hemingway checking on the plants.. There is such incredible work going on in our region, wetlands are being developed, many thousands of trees are being planted and catchment and community groups as well as council are working together to drive continuous improvement. We are passionate about growing and supplying some fantastic plants and trees that will help build a future that protects our land, our waterways, and our wildlife. We are all kaitiaki (guardians) of this land around us and these are Mike McBeath the Hodderville Farms General Manager and Amelia Filius the indeed exciting times. Nursery Manager decided to start a small scale Nursery, purely developing plants For more information please email Amelia at [email protected] or call for the farm’s riparian planting plan. It then grew with enquiries from local’s asking on 027 277 2282. if we would sell to the public. One small pad was built to begin and so the journey began. After celebrating small successes and seeing a huge local and regional demand the decision was made to expand. At this point Janice Hemingway came on board to help Amelia with the expansion of the nursery. A huge 1600 square metre pad was specially built and quite quickly filled with plants, thus another larger 2000m2 pad was needed and with plans for a third we are hoping to be able to cultivate and supply many farmers and locals with their riparian planting needs.

In one of the Hodderville Farm seedling facilities. With the coming obligations under the Healthy Rivers Act - Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1, many farmers are already making substantial investments back into the ground and genuinely caring about making their farms, land, and waterways better for the future. That is where we come in, it is essential that they are supplied with quality plants that are from this area and climate and that will have a high survival rate when planted. We provide healthy and suitable plants that are already hardened off and ready for this region. We are now employing a team of five hardworking people with passionate green thumbs who enjoy being outdoors, being in a peaceful environment and working with a genuine purpose to improve the land around us. Almost every farm and even some lifestyle blocks or even urban sections could establish small areas where they could plant native species. It is very doable/ achievable to aim for pockets of plantings on land all over the district to create bird hops and we will begin to see kereru, bellbirds, tui and other native birds coming back into areas again.

It has been a huge project in which we sought local expert help for the precision aspects that we could not do ourselves. Digga from D.S.M earthworks. Karl and his team at Qubik. Dean and Skip from DR Earthworks. Sam and Sid from Burton fencing. Molly and his crew at Van dam Plumbers. Chris, Mark and their team at Laser Electrical. Daltons Landscaping Supplies. We have approximately 50,000 plants on site now and we are growing with more options for plant sizes and range. We cultivate predominantly riparian and wetland natives with a few other species thrown in. Come visit us to see our beautiful and varied collection of flaxes, grasses, coprosmas, manuka, kanuka, pittosporums, hebes, akeake, kahikatea, and totara - to name a few. We also specialize in hedging varieties including griselinia, photinia, buxus, and camellia. People can pre-order well ahead of the planting season or they can call and make a time to view. There is usually always someone around but it pays to make an appointment as we can be out the back of the farm working on our own planting projects. 26 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 BUSINESS E ZINE: ISSUE 3 SOUTH WAIKATO SENIORNET The business to featuring in our issue 3 E Zine is Le Pine & Co, 30 Arapuni Street, SeniorNet has had an excellent restart to the year after the Putaruru. delay caused by the smoke damage to the rooms, done last January. Our Term Two (we go by the primary school terms) classes and courses The team are a dynamic group, respectful of the history of Le Pine & Co. They get and ‘one on ones’ which recommenced again in May have had an increased involved, are outcome driven and offer you peace of mind. attendance from the same period last year and our rooms (above Unichem Le Pine & Co is the largest provider of legal services in the Taupō District having Putaruru) have become a clean, orderly and busy environment again for people to provided legal services since 1953, in most areas of the law. work on their particular computer learning goals and projects. There will be some painting done soon too so that will freshen up the place even more. Continued Many thanks to the management staff and property owners for making our camer- thanks go to our landlord Richard Heslop. as welcome during the filming sessions. SeniorNet membership numbers have also risen in the past couple of months. The committee is looking forward to some of these new members perhaps taking on tutor or committee roles as we have the barest minimum of people doing this at present. The need for more tutors and also committee members has become a critical issue for SouthWaikato Senior Net and the group’s existence going forward will hinge on greater participation from our members. SeniorNet would also welcome contact from anyone who has a special interest or knowledge in the computer area, who is willing to act as a lead and this fits into the SeniorNet context. Courses for July to August are listed on page 22. Photo Books have remained a popular course and our most recent photo book class members have been successful in producing attractive and informative books for themselves or their family. Thanks again go to Gail Douglas for leading this course. We will be repeating the course again next term. Online Banking was the theme in early May when a representative from Westpac bank came and provided an excellent session on Online banking for the beginner. This course will be repeated in July and is highly recommended for all those who haven’t been game enough to have a go at online banking to date but know that The reception area at Le Pine & Co. Princes Street, Putauru. they should find out something about it. There is no pressure, only information Use this link to directly access the E Zine in its interactive format or this link to and the offer of on-going support if needed. view the video on PiP TV. Genealogy has been an on-going theme with a session for people beginning their The E Zine aims to further promote local businesses and share genealogy journey. Also in this time computers are available for people to work on the work they are doing through text, video and audio features. their own research. On Saturdays there has been a class for beginner DNA users. Both of these groups are supported by at least one tutor who can advise on ‘next This is also an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable steps’ and/or ‘pathways to follow.’ contributions that your staff make to the success of your business operation. Your business will also be included in the Other courses in the past couple of months have included ‘File Management’ and Prattler issue that follows each Business News. ‘Using Medical Portals.’ In addition there have been numerous individual queries or problems that we have been able to help with. It must be emphasised that The E Zine replaces the traditional Prattler newsletter SeniorNet doesn’t handle hardware issues. We just help, if we can, with ‘how to previously distributed. We encourage you share this E Zine QR Code access to the E Zine. use’ the programmes which are in peoples’ computers. with staff, family and friends. Every third Thursday SeniorNet has a members’ morning tea, which usually Email theprattler.org.nz to arrange for your own free E Zine email. includes a speaker. Recently Kim White who is a Financial Mentor at the Overdale SHARE THE STORY OF YOUR BUSINESS Community Centre provided a most informative talk about ‘How to Live on a Pension.’ This proved to be a wide-ranging and interactive theme which went well We feature a business beyond its original topic. Computer and other scams were included as well as every Prattler issue and also information on what is available, where to get help and other informative hints. provide a locally focused Thanks go to Kim for her time and excellent presentation. business E Zine between issues. Also on third Thursdays, after lunch, the Camera Club meets. There is a monthly photography theme and in this past month it has been ‘Portraits.’ People learnt that Arrange with us to record a portrait is a bit more technical than first thought. In the next month ‘Animals’ is the a short video at your theme but this must be in black and white form. Camera Club members will be using place. This may include their creative talent to come up with a suitable picture for sharing with the others. interviews, statements and visuals of the operation The programme for Term Three is soon to be finalised. Readers can find this on and any stories about SeniorNet’s Facebook page and on page 22 of this Prattler your involvement in the SeniorNet’s phone number is 07 883 3151. If you would like to be in contact please community. give us a call or leave a message if necessary and someone will get back to you. This service is completely You can email South Waikato SeniorNet on [email protected] complimentary thanks to Pride in Putaruru. COUNCIL EXTENDS DOG REGISTRATION PAYMENT DEADLINE We encourage you to join us Council has again extended the dog registration payment deadline to 31 January 2022. in this print and visual media celebration. Dog registrations fees have increased marginally with the standard registration fee increasing by $4 to $169 a year. As well, we are looking to feature valued staff The standard rural fee will be $74 and selected owner fee $84. members as part of this public “To assist dog owners, we have again extended the registration payment deadline recognition. to 31 January,” said Animal Control and Compliance Manager Kerry Beckett. We ask that such staff “Normally dog registrations need to be paid, or a payment plan started, by 31 July nominations are also each registration year, but we have again extended this a number of months.” communicated to us using The penalty for not paying your dog registration in full by 31 January is set at 20%; this email address again this is lower than the normal penalty of 50%. [email protected] “We encourage everyone to either get your registration paid in full or contact Contact us at this same email address to discuss this concept without obligation. Council to put a payment plan in place as soon as possible,” continued Mrs Beckett. “Don’t wait months to pay in full or put a plan in place. Come 31 January, PRATTLER PUBLICATION DEADLINES a penalty of 20% will be applied on top of your normal fee and we don’t want to 5:00pm Friday 20 August for the 1 September issue. have to do that.” 5:00pm Friday 22 October for the 3 November issue. “The extension period gives our dog owners longer than normal to get their dog registration paid and Council is pleased to once again be offering our community 5:00pm Friday 26 November for the 15 December issue. this benefit,” said Mrs Beckett. July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 27

TOY LIBRARY We have had another busy month here at the Toy Library! With the increase in membership and our new Saturday opening day, we have had very busy days of hiring toys. This month has seen the committee purchase lots of new toys for our tamariki! New Duplo sets, a beautiful zen drum, rainbow stackers, puzzles for older children and climbing stairs are among the many new resources.

We feel that we have something new for all age groups. The Toy Library thanks our community for their ongoing support with our fundraising efforts which enables us to do so! We still have spaces for new members to join, so we would love to see you if you have been considering signing up to join us. $30 gets you a year subscription and you are able to hire new toys fortnightly for your young children. Our opening hours are: Tuesday 9 - 11 Friday 12 - 2 Last Saturday of every month 9 - 11 Hope to see you all soon. Play is the way. QUICK TIP TO FIND PiP TV Type pip putaruru into the YouTube search box then click SUBSCRIBE 28 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 PYLON PLACEMENT OBJECTED TO We have nothing to lose or gain personally regarding the route of the electricity pylons. We have come to Pylon placement issues from Arapuni to Putaruru have been ongoing for some speak for all the people who do at present and will in time. Wana Haumaha, Mangakaretu Kaumatua writes: future enjoy a beautiful spot for rest, recreation, cultural and spiritual sustenance. “My concerns centre around the lack of consultation from Powerco with the residents of Arapuni Road, where The current Powerco plan would place 6 pylons through these power poles/pylons are proposed to be installed. council land, the Duxfield reserve and up to the bridge. The poles carry 110Kv and will be 18 metres high. There are markers sited across the road from my residence at 271 Arapuni Road. This area is a very We think that it is a crass, out-dated, uninformed and sacred site. There are burial caves in the vicinity and severely short-sighted plan. There are very few places the entire area is reputed to be a major battle site in this country where you can pull off the road and sit involving Ngati Ahuru. The Mangakaretu whanau are aware by a river, walk its banks, picnic, fish and swim. of this and treat the area with deep respect. We do not want this area desecrated. The river has been a provider of life, intrinsically linked to the earth for the Raukawa people since the I have been advised that Powerco have been negotiating 1600s. There is therefore a deep cultural significance. with Raukawa for the past 2 to 3 years regarding the siting of poles/pylons along Arapuni Road. Moreover the Pokaiwhenua River has a special historical significance. Tamatea Pokaiwhenua Pokaimoana was a I find this action insulting. Surely Powerco should be famous explorer who travelled through this area and negotiating with the residents on Arapuni Road who will left his mark. There is much history from those early be negatively affected by the installation of these times that does not get told. This was without a doubt poles/pylons. an important strategic area. We object to the Arapuni Road route as these poles/ Possibly the most offensive thing is to take these pylons will be extremely close to our dwellings, being high voltage lines across the river by the bridge an eyesore and reputed to be a health hazard for our where young people jump and swim and have done so for families. As this is a rural area, surely installing decades, if not centuries. away from domestic dwellings must be a priority.” Lesley Fitzgerald made this submission to the South Waikato District Council on 17 Why put these pylons across this land when there are June 2021. other options?

“We are here to speak to you about the National Grid Let us preserve and enhance this beautiful, magical Connection project between the Arapuni Dam and the place in order for it to be enjoyed by many people, Putaruru Substation. In particular we are concerned both locals and travellers in our Waikato region. about the route that will take power pylons across the Duxfield Reserve and the Pokaiwhenua River. Council, we are all kaitiaki of this land. If you can exert any influence on Powerco to take the original We are talking about the aesthetic, environmental, planned route or to put the lines underground, then we historical and cultural value of this land and the appeal to you to do so. We must take the long view in Pokaiwhenua river. He taonga tenei awa. these matters.” As you all know there are plans to extend the Duxfield Reserve, located along the Pokaiwhenua River, to become a longer walkway and recreation area. [Page 29 SWDC Long Term Plan]

The entrance to Duxfield Reserve and a close up of the falls.

Jenny and I have offered a portion of our property to the SWDC to extend the walkway. This will include a lovely part of the river, a waterfall and planted in native tress. July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 29

SOUTH WAIKATO'S GOT TALENT WINNERS

Adult Section Winner: Brett Bolt. Youth Section Winner: Dakota France.

Adult Section Runner Up: Fiona Stephen. Youth Section Runner Up: Jennah Douthett. 30 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 ON-LINE PERCEPTION opposing views? Will my post be constructive or destructive? Am I going to hurt or upset people I love and care about by belittling their worldview and implying that “The trouble with quotes on the internet is that it is difficult to determine they are stupid for believing them? whether or not they are genuine.” [Abraham Lincoln] Social media, including Facebook, can be an important vehicle for disseminating Our conscious perception of the world, though relatively stable, is not static. We ideas. It can be a way for people to reach a consensus on complex issues and work are incapable of being fully objective, even in our most basic observations and towards viable solutions or at least workable compromises. impressions. Our awareness of the objects around us is informed and fine-tuned by any number of moving factors - our strength and energy levels, our confidence, But negative posts on Facebook reduce its value as a tool for positive change and stop it from fulfilling its potential. our fears and desires. Being human means seeing the world through our own, constantly shifting, lens. It used to be the case that people got their gossip over the garden fence or from a It’s never a question that what we perceive is accurate. The only question is bit of curtain twitching. But now we have the internet and the nature of chat has whether we accurately interpret what we perceive. changed forever. These may be some reasons for this. Motivation can also affect perception. Have you ever been expecting a really Anonymity - the fact that identity can be hidden on Facebook causes many people important phone call and, while taking a shower, you think you hear the phone to behave in whatever way they want. ringing, only to discover that it’s not? If so, you have experienced how motivation to detect a meaningful stimulus can shift our ability to discriminate between a true The Facebook algorithm was supposed to be a way to make people spend more sensory stimulus and background noise. time on Facebook but it has led to people only being shown the things they like or support. Soon, their feed is full of it and no space is left for other viewpoints. This Our perceptions can also be affected by our beliefs, values, prejudices, makes people think that they are absolutely right and people who hold different expectations, and life experiences. views are either hypocrites or people with bad intentions. In the 1950s to philosopher and social critic Theodor Adorno it was televisions Lack of consequences! People who are toxic on Facebook are not facing any ability to mesmerise - to relieve the individual of critical thought - that both consequences. Facebook only suspends accounts which seriously violate its ensured and endangered it's audience. rules, for example, accounts that spread child pornography. In fact, being a bully Today there is a new form of domination through seductive and omnipresent online encourages people to do more bullying because they get a false sense of social networks. Facebook and Google thrive on social connection, immediate achievement from confrontation. It has been said that “social media is the only gratification and diverse expression. A new meta language of tweets, texts, likes, place where you can say whatever you want without being punched in the face.” dislikes, and memes have emerged. Back in 2014 the word 'troll' became much more than a grumpy fairy-tale Whereas television manipulates through various narratives, Facebook goes a step character, when its Oxford Dictionary definition was updated to include “a person further, programing the actual content viewed. A simple like may result in a surge who makes a deliberately offensive or provocative online post.” of similar content. It's similar to the way people might behave in a jeering crowd - normal rules of Social media algorithms have the ability to disrupt our democracy by, feeding social engagement are lost in the mass. agreeable content usually devoid of any critical reflection and not constructively With truncated communications sometimes important words are left out. engage with beliefs different from our own. This can lead to the loss of democratic Electronic communications also lack voice tone and pitch, as well as nonverbal participation through face to face deliberation. cues such as gestures and facial expression. In face-to-face conversation we rely There is a baffling trend for people to be rude, arrogant, self-opinionated, and on these cues to interpret the other person’s intent and attitude more accurately. dismissive when posting on Facebook where the world is often seen as black or But words on a screen lack this meta-communication, as it’s called. As a result, white. Some regard Facebook as destructive, tone-deaf and one-dimensional. the meaning behind the words may be difficult to decipher. One partial solution are emoticons like the smiley face, supposedly to signify that the sender is writing It's so important that there are channels where people can discuss issues with a friendly attitude. It helps, but it’s not a substitute for all the other meta- intelligently and respectfully. Facebook could - and in some cases does - offer communication elements. such a platform. But many are the opposite of intelligent and respectful. They don’t foster dialogue, invite debate, or leave room for compromise. Instead, they Frequently we don’t read with careful attention online. We quickly read an email derail any chance for consensus and harden the resolve of those opposed to the and respond, only to get “Thanks for your reply. But what about my second point?” viewpoints expressed. People remember the rudeness and disrespect, not the All the above factors increase the likelihood for misinterpretation getting annoyed, point being raised. They remember the personal attack, not the content. and taking things personally that were not intended as such. Like-minded members of their group will, of course, agree, applaud, and share, Add to the mix the ability to reply instantly. Before the Internet, if you wanted to but the posts are vastly unlikely to change the minds of anybody who disagrees send someone a message you had to go through several steps: with them. And, isn’t changing the minds of those who disagree the entire point of write or type your message on paper posting such material in the first place? Why else would they even bother? put the paper in an envelope address it So why do some people feel free to be so downright nasty on Facebook? find a stamp Perhaps it’s because posting something on Facebook is a step removed from the take it to a mailbox or post office possible consequences that saying the same thing face to face might bring. If you Back then, if you wrote a letter in anger, by the time you got to the point of shouted out derogatory and confrontational words in a crowded room, you might actually mailing it, you had time to settle down and reconsider. be immediately condemned. You might immediately see the hurt or contempt that your words caused. You might immediately sense people pulling away from Now, with online communication, there are no barriers, nothing external to slow you and thinking less of you. You might be immediately required to face the you down. Just one click or tap, and your message is sent into cyberspace. consequences of your actions. Is what you are seeing actually true? On Facebook, that question often goes unasked. Of course, even on Facebook, some people may well respond to your post with You know, the people that say something like, “If you agree, comment ‘Hallelujah.’” condemnation. But, these responses are, again, a step removed. You can always By doing a search, the original poster will be able to identify all the supporters. delete the person’s response or block them from posting. What we may not realise is Copy-and-pasting can also be used for other disturbing purposes. For instance, if the that among those who don’t respond to an inflammatory post, there will be at least original message is a hoax or false news of some sort, the copy and paste version a few who feel hurt or upset by it. There will be at least a few who quietly detest you becomes much more difficult to delete because each is effectively a new original. for your arrogance and perceived inability to form a reasonable argument. Another chain-style trick that crafty Facebook users apply is to solicit information Imagine a world where everyday politeness and respect for others did extend about you by getting you to tell something trivial about yourself, like which to social media. People with opposing ideas or world-views might reach some celebrity you most resemble, or which one would make you a perfect partner, or manner of consensus rather than being driven even further apart. some other question created to pique your curiosity. They might ask your birth date, your favourite colour or even your mother's maiden name. Why not, instead of writing or sharing some toxic black and white diatribe, we take the time to formulate a well-thought-out opinion piece on an issue that we See where this is leading? You're giving information about yourself that potentially feel strongly about? In other words, what if we opened a polite and respectful could be used for identity theft. Plus, by taking part in this “game,” your celebrity dialogue rather than thrusting a controversial opinion down the throats of our identity (or whatever) is entered into the post's comment field, which means the Facebook friends? Of course, some will still respond with the usual venom and message will now most likely go to your friends. And so it goes on. arrogance. But, others may follow suit and engage in a discussion instead of a rant It's a very common tactic to post quotes on Facebook. A poster using this approach by explaining their point of view. Some may be empowered to respond in kind is implying a connection between what the quote expresses and the person because, for once, they don’t feel that they are being insulted or ridiculed. Just posting the quote. In fact the only perception that can be made is that person X maybe, both parties may gain some new insights and come away with a broader has posted quote Y. Legal literary cases have long argued that a small group of perspective on the issue, even if they don’t switch their opinion altogether. words should be read in the context of a complete work or works. A recent quote Could we not simply ask ourselves the following questions before we post, share, from Plato stated, "No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth." But Plato or like something? What is my motivation for posting this? Am I trying to create said a lot of things including, "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act a dialogue that might help me reach common ground with people that have responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 31 ON-LINE PERCEPTION (CONTINUED) This service is free and fits in with the Ministry of Social Development youth service for young people Not Employment, Education or Training (NEET) aims. Although there are large positives to social media, there are also relationship problems that can occur online. There is a philosophical move towards less numbers driven KPI’s used by many employers and more creative methods that encourage greater engagement and Many people can be addicted to Facebook, using it more than 4 hours each day. motivation to those providing services. This isolates them from reality and can reduce their need for others. Facebook also breeds an atmosphere to hide from negative interactions. This can cause heavy In its current set up WORKit has as its aim, “engagement numbers driven by the impacts on family relationships and make people anti-social, reigniting their need process,” not by top down numbers. for Facebook. This leads them to a fall when a negative experience happens that One of the issues raised is the number of groups, agencies and services that have they can’t avoid, because they no longer have meaningful friends to turn to. an interest in working with young people but whose functions are not in any way Additionally, the longer people use Facebook, the more they start to believe that coordinated. This concern in fact can apply to people of all age groups. others have a better life than they do. This can make people have bad impressions Lisa Mansell thanked Daniel for his talk and invited those attending to network of others and continue family tensions. over drinks and nibbles. However user fatigue has been a recurring factor for Facebook. The platform is FREE COMMUNITY PRATTLER ADVERTISING often seen as stagnant, with no real innovation brought to users in the last few years. The decline could be a reflection of increased competition from newer social A few important guidelines regarding the adverts you supply to the Prattler for platforms such as TikTok. We still need genuine real-life friendships, and Facebook Service Clubs, Churches, Non-profit Organisations and the like. can help keep them alive and well. Use Facebook for communication, and not Please pass this information on to the appropriate person in your group. replace it for your life you are living in the real world today. The Prattler has an established standard size for Free Community Advertisements The number of young Facebook users (age between 12 to 34) rapidly declined in order to share our paper space equitably and also facilitate uniform page layout by almost 20% in 2 years (Edison Research, 2019). There are increasing numbers options in the paper. quitting Facebook now with future looking reasons. Groups may have 1 free advert per Prattler issue. If you require more, then the Allows You to Waste Time usual advertising rates will apply. You might think of the time spent on Facebook as your free time, though you Of course news from you club or organisation can be provided as a normal text and are not aware that you can spend the same time taking care of yourself, learning photograph items too - see more about this at http://prideinputaruru.com/the- something new, or doing your daily tasks. prattler-copy-suggestions/ Can Decrease Motivation We urge all Prattler contributors to refer to this information link so that our By seeing someone else’s continuous posts about the parties they went to or production time is used efficiently. friends they see frequently, you might feel insecure about yourself if your own Dimensions posts are not as impressive as the ones in your news feed. We may internalize The set size for free community adverts is Height 90mm by Width 130mm (A6 or other posts we see and create a picture in our minds of how others are living. Posts ‘postcard size’ landscape). Please do not reverse these dimensions. depicting lives we consider ‘better’ than ours, may see our self-esteem taking a hit. If you want to raise your self-esteem, quitting Facebook may be a good idea. Because of time constraints, anything outside this sizing means that files may be returned for reprocessing. Use Energy on People You Don't Care About Clip Art Look at the number of friends you have on Facebook. How many of them are Please avoid the use of clip art for copyright issues. really good friends? How many of the friend requests you get are real people or your actual acquaintances? This may be to the detriment of offering your time and Publisher - the computer Software Program Publisher is a stand alone program and energy to the genuinely rewarding relationships. is not cross-platform. Please use other options such as Word (or equivalent Open Source software). Feeds You Useless Information One of the things that you will not miss after quitting Facebook is the barrage of We Can Edit and Design for You information that seems to have no effect on your life whatsoever. If you supply the text we can design work for you. There will be a charge for this depending on the time involved. Please contact us, at this address, Damages Your Communication Skills [email protected] for a no obligation chat about this service. Because of the social media that is supposed to help us communicate, we forget If you have any questions about Community Advertising please contact the editor. about real communication, and therefore, have difficulties communicating effectively in real life. This negatively affects our relationships at home, work, or in IS IT TIME FOR THESE SIGNS TO RE-EMERGE? our social circles. You Get Manipulated In order to get more likes, you must work very hard on your shared posts, trying to make them funny, creative, or clever, while you could spend the same time doing something that genuinely improves your creativity. It Takes Over Your Life While working on their posts and choosing which pictures to share, many people actually try to be someone else. This often means they end up being isolated from the real world and their true selves. There will always be outliers - those who are chronically angry or self-serving and the bullies who hijack conversations and create a demoralising or threatening atmosphere. Social norms and pressure will not stop them. The following behaviour isn't allowed on Facebook. Posting things that don't follow the Facebook Community Standards such as threats, hate speech and graphic violence. Moos Baas & Oinks Using Facebook to bully, impersonate or harass anyone. What do you call a lazy butcher? Abusing Facebook features - sending friend requests to many people you don't know. A meat loafer. The Prattler welcomes your thoughts on any local issues and is happy to print any named letters or article contributions. BUSINESS AFTER 5 What does a butcher call a cow on a hill? High steaks. The June Pride in Putaruru Business After 5 meeting was held on 24 June at the Bridge Club in Putaruru. Those attending were welcomed by PiP Chairperson Raewyn Whiteman-Thorne and the guest speaker Paniora Daniels from WORKit Where did the butcher go to introduced by PiP Business Support and Liaison Officer Lisa Mansell. dance? Daniel explained that WORKit is part of the South Waikato District Council and are focused on helping young people get into full-time paid jobs in the local area. This At the meat ball. might involve: Help in finding a job that’s right for you A smile from the team at MBO Creating a new CV or help to improve your current one Help with training, job interviews and transport Moos Baas & Oinks Retail BUTCHER Ed & Renee 07 883 8583 Providing ongoing support when you’re working 32 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021 PUTARURU SKATEPARK Teri-Anne's crew has this sorted. Not interested. What has been proposed? Basketball court, track, not sure what Well, our kids have been to it and The current skate bowl is due for renewal in 2022 and requests from the else let Council is working closely with definitely not as good as Tokoroa so community to expand the park with additional features has prompted Council to the youth and users of the facility to be good to have something better for budget $550,000 in 2021-22 for this project. design and build the kids decide. Putaruru. Moving the skatepark to a new site was discounted, due to costs and the lack of an Features need to be different to that in How many playgrounds do the youth appropriate alternative. Tokoroa and other skate parks nearby to need? become an attraction in its own right. Bent Street is the preferred site with space for expansion on the current site, the Larger facility to enable all ages to site is appropriate in terms of location and visibility, there is ample car parking, and Street ramps, the bowl limits the use to participate with things like a pump the existing site is well known by locals and the bowl is in reasonable condition. older children. track and jumps. Move location. Features like Tokoroa. Options considered (and costs) Ramps, slalom 1/2 basketball court. Option A lighting, seating, shelter, fencing. No Status quo (leave as is, but continue with the refurbishment of the bowl in 2022 as per the existing plan). Capital cost $155,000 Rate impact and debt impact Nil as funded from reserves. Benefits The existing bowl is in reasonable condition, and just needs refurbishment. Challenges The skatepark wouldn’t be future proofed and may become less utilised due to the lack of offerings. Option B Commit the $550,000 to an improved skatepark on Bent Skate. Rate impact and debt impact Loan funding would reduce the impact on rates as it is low at $23,000 per annum (0.07% of rates). Benefits Provision of enhanced facilities. The ability to loan fund the capital outlay PiP TV has footage of the Cody Belfield organised jam for enthusiasts to have a fun day at the skatepark. minimises the rate impact. Feedback Analysis Challenges Option B is the preferred option, with 78% of submitters opting for the bowl to be Capital outlay and increased rates for the community. General risks when refurbished and enhanced skate features provided. 22% of submitters opted for undertaking a construction project. the bowl to be refurbished only. Option B was Council’s preferred option. Feedback from the workshops with District youth indicated preference for the current site - the site was a place to hang out and have lunch. The negative aspects identified included that it was too small, old and boring. These negatives were also presented as opportunities, with ideas to make the skatepark bigger, with more skate ramps, parking and a half pipe and try to mitigate noise issue. There are a number of BMX and scooter riders using the facility, and as such it shouldn’t only cater to skateboarders, as BMX and scooters have increased in popularity. There was also discussion that the community had opportunities to fund raise for a large skate park with more features. One option that was raised was utilising part of the area in the front of the Putaruru Service Centre. Most comments were generally positive and supportive of improvements for the facility, and some submissions were overwhelmingly positive for a refurbished bowl with enhanced facilities, especially for the youth. Submissions Received by SWDC... about engagement of youth in the Listen to the younger generation choices. town. Will there be any dialogue with Are teenagers and kids opinions always the Sports Hub committee especially get pushed to the side and always have since the SWDC discounted any other SITUATIONS VACANT adults opinions that get accepted? More locations? Once improvements have effort also goes into Tokoroa share some been planned and implemented GENERAL FARM HAND WANTED of that effort for us and Tirau. there could then be increased discouragement/enforcement of the Did anyone ask the kids what they would Drystock, drive in position. current footpath/carpark/roadway use like? by skaters in line with notices about this Pukeatua Having some of our youth involved in around the CBD. planning is very positive. There needs to be sun protection and Call Kate 027 432 1345 We want to support the skatepark facilities for all ages including supervising proposal and youth and others from the adults. Putaruru youth hub being involved in Security cameras, toilets and seating. OVER THE MOON OPPORTUNITIES discussions and the development of plans Seating, water fountain. for the Bent Street site refurbishment. We are in the hunt for additional people More facilities for younger kids on They already have a bowl and Arapuni scooters. for our deli team in Putaruru. Our online needs a pump cycle track so no to Not sure, ask the ones who use it store is gaining momentum and we need a expanding their bowl. couple of senior part time people with great Having a lot of ‘features’ in a skate park Putaruru children and youth to work with can make it cluttered and not flow. Engage professional designer selected to design interpersonal skills who happen to like working a great designer early and let them bring concept plan for site, important to also with beautiful food! people’s ideas into a coherent design rather engage via schools. than just a collection of ‘features.’ Ramps, grind poles. more concrete If you know someone this would suit please ask Although there is a small bowl existing areas. in this area any significant expansion/ them to pop in for a chat with Debbie Hayes- enhancement should take into account Pump track for Putaruru and Tokoroa - Lennon, our Retail Manager. They would start the adjacent residents and facilities keep adding to enhance use. that exist now. Not all youth in Putaruru part-time and eventually be offered full-time Smaller bowl for younger kids, ramps identify with the skating culture so an and rails. Light above the park. work as the business grows. improved bowl is only a part of thinking July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 33 SOUTH WAIKATO FUTURE CAREER PATHWAYS EXPO The South Waikato Future Career Pathways Expo took place on 31 May at the South Waikato Sport and Events Centre, Tokoroa. It provided an opportunity for students and whanau to engage directly with employers and training providers and explore career pathways and opportunities.

ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORTED THE JULY PRATTLER Please support these businesses. The Prattler very much appreciates their advertising. Abbey’s Place 19 Bible Baptist Church 4 Choppa Block Ltd 21 Digital Transfers 36 First Klass Pest Solutions Ltd 15 Fladgate Family 8 FOLEYS 10 Graham Brown & Co 34 LJ HOOKER 24 Laser Electrical 27 Le Pine & Co 11 The Events Centre was set out to allow room for students to interact with those Lunn Builders Ltd 28 providing career displays and information. Students from secondary schools in the South Waikato were transported to the Expo during the day. Moos Baas & Oinks 31 Nicholson Surveying Ltd 16 THE SEASON HAS BEGUN AT PGG WRIGHTSON PUTARURU Owlets Early Learning Centre 12 Physio Direct 6 Plaza Theatre 14 Putaruru Electrical 33 Putaruru Tyres 35 South Waikato Dental Surgery 35 Rangiura Retirement Village 23 Spargo Plumbing 16 STIHL Shop Putaruru 25 Stuart Edmeades - Silver Fern Farms 16 Tirau Earthmovers Ltd 18 Tirau Panelbeaters 5 Van Dyks 1 & 3 Waikato Real Estate Ltd 13 Woodsy Engineering 4 34 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021

Great with numbers. Even better with people.

Across Clues PRATTLER CROSSWORD 1. to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon (7) 4. to measure or determine the amount, quantity, size, condition, of something (5) 7. a device for applying a design, characters, to a surface (7) 8. a collection of maps, usually in book form (5) 9. to determine or settle (6) 12. an art of weaponless fighting employing holds, throws and blows (8) 15. adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose (8) 17. a ship's rigging (6) 18. the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse (5) 21. of vast extent; unmeasurable; extreme (7) 22. freight (5) 23. able to divert, or entertain (7) Down Clues 1. unknown or unplanned causes of events; chance (8) 2. to gain possession of; acquire (6) 3. every one of two or more (4) 4. a festive celebration (4) 5. a public service, system, or supply, or devices related to it (7) 6. our organs of sight (4) 10. to expel forcefully (5) 11. a bed covering consisting of two layers of material (5) 13. a contestant who is expected to lose (8) 14. to undermine; ruin (7) 16. small bits or fragments leftover or discarded (6) 18. a very soft mineral that is a basic silicate of magnesium, has a soapy feel (4) 19. movable bar attached to a fretted instrument to uniformly raise the pitch of all strings (4) 20. a dark brown slightly crested bird of southeastern Asia (4) SUDOKU PUZZLE

WORD WHEEL The aim is to create as many words as possible with the letters in the word wheel. You can only use each letter once when making a word and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel. For example, lint. Can you find a 9 letter word too? PRATTLER MAZE Record your word wheel finds here...

FIND THE 10'S Find connecting numbers, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, that make a sum of 10. The connected numbers must be in a straight line. Some numbers may be used more than once when forming different solutions. Three starter finds are indicated in the puzzle. July 2021 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz 35 SeniorNet Dust off your Computer! We have lots of fun things you can do using it... Phone: 07 883 3151 Email: [email protected] Facebook: South Waikato SeniorNet 3 Duke Street, Putaruru (above Unichem)

QUICK QUIZ 1. This scene is from what classic film? 2. This painting is by? 3. These lines were written by? I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. An American in Paris Fantasia Singin' in the Rain David Hockney Andrew Wyeth Andy Warhol Harper Lee John Steinbeck Douglas Adams 4. This is the 5. Which one of these words means, 6. This is the symbol for? Flag of which the study or investigation of crop bluetooth wireless technology country? circles? Bangladesh cereology restricted mountain trail Gambia radiusdemarking India roundelation underground electrical cables

ANSWERS to our original puzzles from pages 30 - 32 of this Prattler

in background in working couple

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES6 WORD WHEEL: SOME POSSIBILITIES

lain nada daunt natal unlit

5 2 talion

blower added blower 5.

into luna unto naiad ulnad latino

white shoe now blue now shoe white

3 4.

black shoe markings shoe black 3.

dunt loan unit diana tondi latina

power cords rearranged cords power

4 2.

dona

loin loin undo lauan tonal landau

laudation rubbish bag replaces hose replaces bag rubbish 1.

dino loan udon latin tolan ladino adulation

bluetooth wireless technology wireless bluetooth

QUICK QUIZ6.

dint lion tuna lanai tauon indult laotian

cereology 5.

aunt lint nota ladin talon dalton untold India

1 4. Harper Lee Harper 3.

anti lino noil donut notal atonal unload

Andrew Wyeth Andrew 2.

Singin' in the Rain the in Singin' 1. an land nail diana nodal anodal

6 unlaid

Email: [email protected] (Lisa Mansell) PRIDE IN PUTARURU ASSOCIATION 2 Overdale Street, Putaruru Raewyn Whiteman-Thorne: Chairperson (@Junction Services) PO Box 155 Putaruru 3443 Linda Galbraith: Secretary (The Plaza) Phone: 07 883 7272 Fax: 07 883 7272 Murray Deas: Treasurer (Unichem Putaruru) The Prattler: theprattler.org.nz Stu Aston: (Community) PiP Website: prideinputaruru.com Leanne Field: (Community) Media Editor: [email protected] Teri-Anne Petley-Rata: (Community/Youth) PiP TV Channel accessed from the Prattler and/or PiP website Views expressed in The Prattler are not necessarily those of Pride in Putaruru. Sandra Wallace: (SWDC Representative) 36 Read the Prattler on-line at: theprattler.org.nz July 2021

Digital Transfer of Slides. Photos, Audio Tapes, 8mm Movies. VHS Tapes and Photo Negatives to modern digital format - also Photo Restoration. Our results have been great but investment in even higher pro-level technology allows us to set even higher standards. We have happy clients from all over NZ. Email: [email protected] DIGITAL TRANSFERS, Phone Mike 0274 80 30 88 3 Junction Street - Putaruru SPOT THE DIFFERENCES HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE AREA? Can you spot the 6 changes that have been made to this scene in the bottom version? Where in our region would you find this scene located?

The scene from our May issue was the Overdale Community Centre. Our congratulations to those who identified this. To make a suggestion about a mystery object, simply email, the Prattler.

READERS SUGGEST A CAPTION: JULY READERS SUGGEST A CAPTION: MAY IDEAS Below is our JULY suggest a caption photo. Because our focus is always local, these photographs will be from our area. Captions should be family friendly! Suggestions received for the MAY photo (below) were: Please send your suggestions to [email protected] and we will share them in the next issue. Suggestions for the May Prattler captions are opposite.

About this long Toy hire have one Don't look now - but I told Murray dark blue It's not acceptable Standing orders Murray stands his ground Your turn soon Louise The third wheel Suggest a caption for this picture... Look, I know I shouldn’t have but I really wanted a go on the bouncy castle